As Thanksgiving approaches, you might be wondering if you will have to pass on some of your favorite dishes now that you have started the teeth-straightening process. Don’t worry – there are several steps you can take to ensure your tastebuds and your teeth are happy! With this in mind, read on to learn how to enjoy a festive feast with braces.
1. Fill Your Plate with Softer Foods
To prevent a broken bracket or loose wire, it’s important that you stick to softer foods. Fortunately, many holiday staples fall under that category, including roasted potatoes, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. So, don’t hesitate to fill your plate with these seasonal staples!
2. Use Your Fork and Knife to Your Advantage!
For some people, the best part of the meal is the sides. For others, the main dish, like turkey or ham, is the best. If you’re a part of the latter group, then make sure to cut the meat into very small pieces. That way, you can enjoy it without risking an orthodontic emergency.
3. Be Selective About Dessert
Of course, a holiday meal wouldn’t be complete without something sweet! Although you don’t need to skip the dessert table entirely, you do need to be selective. For example, pecan pie is both crunchy and sticky, which is a recipe for disaster with braces. That’s why it’s best to reach for pumpkin pie instead.
4. Drink Lots of Water
You might be tempted to have a “fun” drink, like soda, with your holiday meal. However, the amount of added sugar isn’t ideal, especially when pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and other sweet treats are on the menu. Instead, opt for water – it will keep you hydrated and help prevent dental discoloration!
5. Keep Oral Hygiene Essentials With You
Remember, the longer you wait to brush your teeth, the more likely you are to develop an oral health problem, like a cavity. That’s why it’s crucial that you brush and floss your teeth when you’re done eating. If you’re not hosting, then buy a travel-sized toothbrush and floss to take with you!
About the Practice
In addition to providing our patients with custom, compassionate, and cutting-edge care, our team at Super Braces of Lawrence is here as an ongoing resource. So, if you don’t know which toothpaste to use, you’re having trouble cleaning around the brackets, or you aren’t sure what you can and can’t eat this holiday season, we can help! If you’re interested in starting the teeth-straightening process, you can also schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (978) 794-0000.