Holiday Treats to Avoid With Braces

The holidays are here, and that means delicious treats are everywhere. From candy canes to caramel popcorn, it’s the season of indulgence. But if you or your child has braces, navigating the holiday dessert table requires a bit of strategy. Certain holiday treats can damage your brackets or wires, leaving you with an emergency trip to the orthodontist instead of a stress-free celebration. At Pearls Orthodontics in Pflugerville, TX, Dr. Patricia Ortiz Diaz wants to help you enjoy the season while protecting your smile. Here’s a quick guide to treats to avoid—and some braces-friendly alternatives.

Sticky Sweets

Caramel, taffy, and anything sticky can be a disaster for braces. These sugary snacks cling to brackets and wires, increasing the risk of damage and making them difficult to clean. Plus, the sugar left behind can fuel cavity-causing bacteria.

Try Instead: Opt for softer sweets, like peanut butter cups or melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate. These are easier on braces and don’t stick to your teeth.

Hard Candies and Nuts

Candy canes, peanut brittle, and whole nuts are festive, but they’re also some of the worst culprits for breaking brackets and wires. Biting down on hard snacks can even crack your teeth, making for an unwelcome trip to the orthodontist.

Try Instead: Swap these for baked goods like soft cookies or banana bread. If you’re craving something crunchy, try thinly sliced apples or roasted but soft nuts, like pecans.

Popcorn and Chewy Treats

Popcorn kernels and chewy snacks like gummies or jellybeans are braces’ worst enemies. Kernels can lodge between brackets, while chewy treats tug on wires.

Try Instead: Opt for puffed rice treats or yogurt-covered pretzels. They’re festive, satisfying, and much friendlier to your braces.

Celebrate the Holidays with Care at Pearls Orthodontics in Pflugerville, TX

The holidays should be about joy, not orthodontic emergencies. By steering clear of sticky, hard, and chewy treats, you can keep your braces in top shape and enjoy the season stress-free. At Pearls Orthodontics, Dr. Patricia Ortiz Diaz and her team are here to help you protect your smile during the holidays and beyond. If you have questions or need tips for braces-friendly snacking, visit us in Pflugerville, TX. Let’s make this holiday season both merry and braces-friendly!

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Categorised in: Orthodontic FAQ