The holiday season is upon us, which means plenty of family time, wonderful food, and busy schedules. While you run around attending parties and purchasing gifts, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to ensure that your mouth stays healthy, especially if you are wearing braces. Check out these tips to keep your teeth beautiful, while improving your smile on the go this holiday season.
What You Eat Matters
Before you dive into your favorite holiday treats, ask yourself these questions:
- Will it damage my braces?
- Will it damage my teeth?
Maintaining the integrity of your orthodontic appliances and the overall health of your teeth is key to achieving the results you want when it’s time to remove your braces. Because of this, it is essential that you consider what it is you’re putting in your mouth and how it will affect your teeth. Food that could potentially harm your braces include:
- Popcorn
- Raw vegetables
- Nuts
- Beef jerky
Likewise, food that is high in sugar and exceptionally sticky can do serious damage to your teeth. These foods can easily get trapped in the crevices of your teeth and behind brackets, making them difficult to properly clean and putting you at risk of tooth decay:
- Soda
- Dried fruit
- Caramel
- Toffee
Good Habits Make a Big Difference
Knowing which foods are safe to eat and which ones are dangerous for the well-being of your mouth is only half the battle. To help your braces and teeth stay in prime condition all season long, remember to:
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating sugary foods.
- Only consume foods that are easy to chew.
- Cut food into bite-sized pieces and place in the back of your mouth.
- Thoroughly brush and floss twice a day.
- Keep your regular dental appointments every 6 months for professional cleanings.
To help you get the smile of your dreams in the midst of a busy holiday schedule, the compassionate team at Windermere Orthodontics in Cumming and Suwanee is here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about caring for your braces or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
-Dr. Gorlovsky