Holiday Cheer and Braces Care: Keeping Your Child’s Smile Merry and Bright
The holiday season is here, filled with festive gatherings, delicious treats, and plenty of reasons for your child to smile. If your child has braces, it’s also a time to stay mindful of their dental care routine so they can enjoy everything the holidays offer — without any setbacks to their orthodontic treatment. Here’s how to help your child navigate holiday treats, keep their braces in great shape, and maintain that beautiful smile!
Holiday Treats: What to Enjoy and What to Skip
Holiday spreads are loaded with tempting foods, but not all are friendly to braces. Sticky caramels, crunchy candy canes, and even popcorn can damage braces, and no one wants an emergency orthodontist visit in the middle of holiday celebrations!
Here’s a quick guide for braces-safe holiday treats:
• Avoid Hard and Sticky Treats: Candy canes, peanut brittle, and caramel can easily break brackets and get stuck in braces.
• Opt for Softer Sweets: Encourage your child to go for softer treats like holiday cookies, soft cakes, or even fruit platters. Mashed potatoes, casseroles, and baked apples are also braces-friendly and just as delicious!
Keeping Up with Their Hygiene Routine (Even Amid Holiday Excitement)
With all the fun and excitement, it’s easy for kids to let their dental care routine slide. However, keeping up with brushing and flossing is essential to keep their braces clean and their treatment on track.
Simple Holiday Hygiene Tips:
• Pack a Travel Toothbrush: Having a travel toothbrush handy makes brushing easy after meals, which helps keep braces free of plaque and sugar buildup.
• Stick to Daily Flossing: Flossing with braces can be tricky, but preventing food particles from getting trapped is essential. Help them with a floss threader, or pick up some orthodontic flossers to make it easier.
• Rinse with Water. When Brushing Isn’t Possible: When they can’t brush right away, rinsing with water helps wash away sugars and food particles until they can brush.
Keeping Braces Safe Through Holiday Feasts
With holiday eating in full swing, it’s natural for kids to want to dig into every dish. Here are a few tips to help them enjoy their favorite holiday foods without risking damage to their braces:
• Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: Encourage them to cut harder foods, like apples or turkey, into smaller, bite-sized pieces to avoid stressing their brackets.
• Avoid Extra-Chewy Items: Chewy foods can be tough on braces, pulling at wires, and possibly damaging brackets. When in doubt, remind them to skip sticky items.
• Embrace Soft Holiday Foods: There are plenty of braces-friendly choices — think mashed potatoes, casseroles, baked fruits, and even soft holiday cookies. They’re delicious, easy on braces, and won’t put their treatment at risk.
Starting the New Year with a Bright Smile
The end of the year is a great time to check in on your child’s braces care routine and consider any adjustments for the months ahead. Staying consistent with their care, avoiding foods that could cause damage, and following their orthodontist’s guidance will help keep their treatment on track. A little extra attention now will help them get closer to the big day when those braces come off, revealing their bright, beautiful smile.
Book Your Free Consultation Today!
If your child needs a check-up before the holiday break, book a free consultation. Let’s ensure their smile is holiday-ready so they can confidently enjoy the festivities here in Naples!
