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And . . . that means we're getting ready to indulge on delicious food, delectable treats and scrumptious drinks. For those with braces or orthodontic appliances, navigating around the holiday buffets and cookie trays can be a little tricky. So, as we get ready to celebrate, we have some tips to help make sure you can still enjoy all of these treats, while keeping your celebrations brace friendly.
Favorites like caramels, candy canes, popcorn and chips are a no-no.
TRY THIS: If you want to feed your sweet tooth, make sure you opt for brace-friendly treats like soft, plain chocolates, marshmallows and other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.
These tasty treats are definitely on the Naughty List, as they are certain destruction for brackets and wires. Always double check before biting into cookies, a piece of pie or a chunk of fudge . . . as nuts are known to hide out in these treats.
TRY THIS: A good option is creamy peanut butter or another type of nut butter, peanut butter cups or soft peanut butter cookies.
Soft drinks and hot cocoa taste yummy, but their contents can damage teeth. Enjoy them in moderation and rinse with water after drinking. Water will help keep the saliva flowing, keep you hydrated and wash away plaque, sugar and food particles.
4 times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime) is the magic number for those with braces — especially after feasting on holiday food. If you can't brush right away after eating dinner or a treat, swish vigorously with some water and brush as soon as you can. Also, like we mentioned above, drinking water will help wash away sugar and food particles.
Whether you're traveling far, or just heading to a party at a friends house, having an orthodontic travel kit is a great idea! Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and wax. Keeping up on your oral hygiene will help keep your teeth and braces sparkling.
If you're heading into the holidays with your braces off, or if you are currently being treated with Invisalign®, don't forget your case! Wrapping your retainer in a napkin, or placing these nearly invisible appliances on the side of your plate, usually means digging through the garbage looking for them, or forking out extra money for new ones.
TRY THIS: Along with your travel kit, always pack a case for your retainers or Invisalign® trays. The case will keep them safe, plus save you time and money in the long run.
Don’t worry . . . there are plenty of delicious treats you can enjoy without worrying about your wires and brackets! Plus, you can always pull the "I have braces" card to get second helpings!
ASSOCIATED ORTHODONTISTS offers complimentary in-office consultations and NEW VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS for all locations. Our friendly Treatment Coordinators will verify your insurance and create a customized interest-free payment plan. To SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION, or to find the Associated Orthodontist location near you, please visit greatbraces.com.