The holidays are coming soon, and with it comes candy and other treats. Unfortunately, many of these treats can damage your child’s braces. How do you make the holiday fun, while maintaining excellent oral health AND not damaging any wires or brackets? Our office is here with a few suggestions for this holiday season.
First, understand what your child should not be eating. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises against such things as taffy, popcorn, lollipops, licorice, jelly beans, hard pretzels, hard candy, caramel, and bubblegum. These can damage your child’s braces by rendering them broken or less effective. Sticky foods like candy can also get stuck in between braces and increase the occurrence of cavities.
Second, help your child understand that there are many treats they CAN still eat. To help ensure this, perhaps volunteer to bring something they can eat to holiday parties, as appropriate. When you are in charge of the food, make sure your treats are braces-friendly. Here are some options:
–thinly sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar
–brownies cut into holiday shapes and decorated
–cake
–cheese platters
–fruit pie
–fudge (no nuts)
–ice cream
–orange slices dipped in chocolate
–peanut butter cookies (no nut pieces)
–pumpkin pie
Of course, when eating sugary snacks and treats, make sure to keep portions small! Have your child rinse their mouth with water afterwards. Make sure to remind them to brush and floss extra-carefully that day.
For more information, call A&A Orthodontics in Sandusky, OH. Dr. Shabbir Adenwalla and Inayat Ashai and our whole team will be happy to help you keep your smile bright this holiday season.
