Especially if you’re new to orthodontic treatment, celebrating the holidays with braces can feel a bit daunting. How do you know what’s safe to eat or not? Here are the best and worst holiday foods for braces so you can celebrate without worry.
Foods to Avoid
To start off, it’s important to know which foods to avoid so that you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation (pun intended). Orthodontists typically recommend you to avoid the following foods:
- Hard Candy and Lollipops: These can not only damage your braces but also chip or crack your teeth.
- Ice: Chewing on ice is a big no-no! It can easily break your brackets or wires.
- Hard Candy Shells and Popcorn Kernels: These tiny, hard objects can get lodged under your wires and irritate your gums.
- Sugary Drinks: Sugary sodas and juices can contribute to cavities, especially around your brackets. Stick to water or unsweetened drinks.
Now that we’ve covered a brief list of “don’t’s,” let’s talk about all the wonderful safer options to choose from.
Better Options
It may sound like there are a lot of foods to avoid when you have braces, but there are many more things you can still enjoy.
- Soft Foods: This is your golden rule! Soft foods put minimal pressure on your brackets and wires, reducing discomfort. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, soft fruits (like bananas and berries), steamed vegetables, cooked pasta, and well-cooked meats (like fish and ground beef).
- Smoothies and Soups: These are lifesavers! They provide essential nutrients in a delicious, braces-friendly form. Blend up your favorite fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a nutritious smoothie. Soups, whether creamy or broth-based, are another great option.
- Cheese: Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong teeth and bones. Stick to softer cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese. You can also enjoy shredded cheese on top of soft foods.
Foods to Enjoy with Caution
- Hard and Crunchy Foods: These can damage your brackets and wires. Steer clear of raw vegetables (like carrots and celery), hard fruits (like apples and pears), nuts, popcorn, pretzels, and hard candies. If you must have a crunchy snack, try steaming or boiling harder vegetables and cutting fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Sticky Foods: Sticky candies, caramel, chewing gum, and fruit roll-ups can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove, increasing your risk of cavities. It’s best to avoid these altogether.
- Chewy Foods: Chewy bagels, chewy granola bars, and tough meats can put extra strain on your braces. Opt for softer versions of these foods or cut them into small pieces.
If your family or friends are preparing the meal, it can be helpful to talk with them beforehand about what will be on the menu and share the things you might need to avoid. Lots of people have special food requirements like food sensitivities and allergies, so it’s likely they’ll be understanding and want to adjust the menu so that there will be something you can enjoy.
If they are not able to, sometimes cutting foods into smaller pieces so that they don’t need to be chewed as much can make them safer to eat with braces, but check with your orthodontist before consuming any foods not typically recommended for braces-wearers.
Talk with Your Orthodontist
As the holidays approach, talk to your orthodontist about any specific questions you have about foods you expect will be served during the holidays. Your orthodontist is an expert on the best and worst holiday foods for braces and will be happy to help you figure out how to keep your braces safe while still enjoying the traditions and festivities of the holidays.
Are you considering braces in San Antonio for a straighter, healthier smile? At Bexar Orthodontists in San Antonio, we understand that adjusting to braces can be a tricky at the beginning. Our experienced team of orthodontists is dedicated to making your braces experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you create a personalized treatment plan and guide you through every step of the braces experience.