It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But if you’re one of the many people who have braces, the holiday season can be a bit tricky. From all the delicious treats to the hard-to-chew meals, it’s important to know what foods you should avoid keeping your braces in the best condition. As your local dentist in downtown Calgary, we want to ensure that all our patients have a happy and healthy holiday season. So, read on to learn more about the types of holiday foods to avoid if you have braces.
Your Dentist in Downtown Calgary – Bracing You For The Holidays
The Effects of Certain Holiday Foods on Braces
As much as it would be great to dig into any holiday meal or treat, those with braces need to heed caution before consuming. Unless you’re a dentist in downtown Calgary, you will not know what food is safe to eat and which is off-limits.
Depending on the type of food, eating the wrong foods can cause damage to your braces. What can happen exactly? Eating the wrong foods can cause brackets to loosen and wires to come out of place. In addition, some foods can stick to your braces and become difficult to remove. It can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause cavities and gum disease.
Not only does damage to your braces setback your treatment plan, but it’s also costly to fix. In essence, it only creates unnecessary, avoidable dental problems and expenditures.
List of Foods to Avoid with Braces
When eating holiday dishes and treats with braces, keep an eye out for these foods you should avoid. Here are the following foods that can cause damage to your braces:
• Hard candies
• Sticky candy
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Caramel apples
• Chewy candy
• Corn on the cob
• Hard fruits & vegetables (carrots, apples, etc.)
• Chewy bread
• Gum
Tips for Eating Holiday Foods with Braces
It might seem like there is nothing you can enjoy eating during the holidays. Don’t fret – there are other ways you can enjoy holiday treats and meals!
Check out some of these tips for eating holiday foods if you have braces:
• Cut food into small pieces – This will make it easier to chew and less likely to damage your braces.
• Chew slowly – Chewing too quickly can cause damage to your braces.
• Choose softer foods – Soft foods like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are much easier to eat with braces.
• Avoid crunchy snacks – Staying away from crunchy snacks like chips and pretzels is a good idea.
• Consider teeth cleaning – A great way to ensure your teeth remain healthy and clean is to schedule teeth cleaning in Calgary. It’s a great measure to ensure your pearly whites look their best even after the holidays.
The holidays are a time for friends and family to come together and enjoy good food. However, if you have braces, it’s important to be aware of the types of holiday foods to avoid. Eating the wrong foods can cause damage to your braces and even lead to dental problems down the line. By following the tips above and maintaining proper dental hygiene (like scheduling teeth cleaning in Calgary), you can ensure that your braces stay in the best condition and that you have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants, and teeth cleaning. We are always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!
Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]
