5 Tips for Eating Holiday Meals with Braces

‘Tis the season for delectable delights! From Halloween candies to Thanksgiving pies, the last few months of the year offer a plethora of tempting treats. While indulging in these seasonal delights is a joy, it can be a bit different for those with braces. So, if your little one is currently undergoing this orthodontic treatment, continue reading to learn about invaluable tips on navigating holiday meals with braces.

Tip #1. Fill Your Plate with Soft Foods

While caramel, brownies, and peppermint bark may be holiday staples, they can exert excessive pressure on the brackets and wires of braces. Instead, your child should focus on enjoying soft foods, like cooked carrots, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. These options not only go easy on your child’s braces but also make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tip #2. Cut Your Food into Smaller Pieces

For children who are yearning for heartier options like ham or turkey, think about slicing them into bite-sized portions. This not only makes chewing more manageable but also lessens the force needed compared to tackling larger pieces.

Tip #3. Be Mindful as You Chew

While socializing with friends or enjoying family sports activities, it’s easy to enter autopilot mode while eating. However, this increases the likelihood of your little one accidentally damaging a bracket or causing injury to the soft tissues in their mouth. Help them stay mindful of their chewing to prevent these potential issues.

Tip #4. Abide By Your Dietary Restrictions

Despite the numerous advantages braces bring to their wearers, there are certain dietary limitations to consider. Indulging in hard and sticky holiday classics like pecan pie, corn on the cob, and crunchy dinner rolls can jeopardize your little one’s braces and potentially result in an orthodontic emergency.

Although it might be challenging for your child to resist these tempting treats on the holiday buffet, the effort is worthwhile. Avoiding these foods will ensure their time off is spent with loved ones rather than in a dental emergency.

Tip #5. Keep Your Dental Care Tools Close

Whether you and your child are planning to stay home or venture out to visit friends and family, ensure they have the necessary dental tools on hand. Consider keeping a travel-sized tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash nearby so your little one can keep their braces free of food particles and plaque.

About the Practice

Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is thrilled to provide outstanding services to growing smiles in the New Bedford, MA area. Their extensive range of services encompasses preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency procedures, tailored to meet the needs of young patients. Offering various orthodontic options, including traditional braces, they can assist your little one in understanding the optimal care to enjoy the season to the fullest. If you wish to schedule an appointment for your child with Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry or to explore more about their orthodontic services, visit their website or contact them at (847) 255-3020.