Holiday Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy) With Braces
November 21, 2024
The holidays are here, and so too are all those seasonal treats you dream about all year long. But if you wear braces, this time can feel a little bit different. That’s because there are some foods you will unfortunately have to forgo in an effort to keep your wires and brackets safe. Here is a list of items that should stay off your holiday menu this month, and some delicious treats that are safe to indulge in even during orthodontic treatment!
Foods Skip and Foods to Savor
While it can certainly be tempting to indulge in the following snacks, doing so can easily damage your braces. To keep your wires and brackets safe, skip these treats this season:
- Turkey legs or any other meat still on the bone (off the bone is safe!)
- Nuts or any foods containing nuts, including pies, brownies, cookies, or fudge
- Raw carrots or other crispy vegetables
- Caramel or candy apples
- Hard gingerbread cookies
- Hard candies like candy canes or ribbon candy
- Toffee or sticky candy
- Chewy candies like gummies, caramels, or taffy
If you see any of your favorites on the list, don’t despair. There are still plenty of foods you can safely enjoy with braces! These include:
- All meats, cut off the bone into bite-sized pieces
- Salmon and other soft fish
- Mashed potatoes (and gravy!)
- Sweet potato casserole (without nuts or marshmallows)
- Steamed vegetables
- Green bean casserole (no almonds)
- Cranberry sauce
- Soft rolls, challah, or biscuits
- Macaroni and cheese
- Stuffing
- Soft cheeses
- Cakes, cupcakes, and fruit or pumpkin pie
- Plain chocolate
- Holiday beverages like mulled cider, eggnog, and hot cocoa
Remember, while some of your favorite seasonal treats may understandably be hard to say no to, there are still plenty of things you can enjoy even if you wear braces. Thankfully, you won’t need to give them up forever. Eventually, your teeth will be done with treatment, and you can enjoy a full diet once again!
About Dr. Quintanal
Dr. Ovy Quintanal was not once but twice a braces wearer himself, so he certainly understands the struggles patients face, especially when it comes to passing up their favorite foods. That’s why he and the team work so hard to help you find solutions that will make your treatment easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re interested in straightening your smile with the help of braces, schedule a consultation with Dr. Quintanal and the team today by visiting our website or calling us at 954-737-2300.
