With this holiday season already under way, those of us with braces need to know just how to navigate all the sweets, treats, and delicious holiday meals that are coming up. Whether you have braces, clear braces, or invisalign, everyone wants to be able to eat their favorite foods this holiday season, and without having to pay an extra trip to the orthodontist. Here at Utah Orthodontic Care we are committed to providing top rate dental care near you, so we have put together a list of tips and tricks so you can keep your mouth happy this holiday season.
What You Can Do
Whether your favorite part of the season is the gift giving, the snowy landscape, or the family gatherings, no one wants to miss out on the holiday feasts. Luckily, there are some easy tricks to follow so you can keep your teeth healthy during the holidays:
Be Prepared:
The best thing you can do after chowing down on a big holiday meal is to brush and floss your teeth, especially if you have braces. With all the holiday parties and dinners happening, it’s important to bring your toothbrush with you so that you can be prepared to deal with any sticky food that might want to get stuck in your teeth or braces.
Keep The Routine:
After a late night up around the fire or staying up talking with family, you may feel like you want to just head to bed and pass out, but that is the most important time to brush and floss your teeth. After a full meal and some holiday sweets you don’t want to let all that sugar and food sit in your teeth and allow cavity-creating bacteria to grow. Keep the brushing routine (2 minutes twice a day) and your teeth will be thankful for it.
Floss Wherever You Want:
The great thing about floss is that it doesn’t require a sink or a bathroom for you to do it in. Keep some floss in your purse or your car and you can clean your teeth at the best possible time: right after you eat.
Know What Your Teeth Like:
While the holiday season is full of tempting sweets, it’s important to remember what foods are okay to eat and what foods you should try to avoid. Sticky caramels and sugary deserts tend to get stuck in your teeth and become hard to remove with just a brush. If you have braces, be sure to avoid hard candies and crunchy snacks, as well as sticky foods, to keep your braces free of debris. Luckily, the holiday ham, mashed potatoes, roast vegetables, pie, and ice cream are all braces-safe, so you can enjoy most of your family’s feast!
Most of all, enjoy this holiday season and keep your teeth healthy so you can enjoy many more to come. Contact Utah Orthodontic Care to find out more or schedule an appointment!
