Tips to Survive Christmas With Braces

The holiday season is a joyous time of the year, but it can also be challenging if you have braces. Here are some things you should do to make sure your braces stay intact through the holiday season.

Adjust Your Eating Habits

One of the biggest hurdles patients with braces face is learning to adjust their diets. Foods such as popcorn and gummy bears can be risky, so patients need to know which foods to avoid with braces. However, there are several foods that can be eaten safely throughout the day. Patients should make sure they keep their teeth clean by avoiding sugary treats or snacking between meals. It's helpful to chew sugarless gum while eating, as it keeps the mouth busy. Drinking water is also imperative for patients who want to keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean. Water not only hydrates the body, but it also washes away food particles from the mouth. Be wary of beverages that have too much acid, such as sodas and sports drinks. These can erode the enamel on the teeth.

Be Aware of Foods That Can Damage Braces

At this time of year, you may be attending a lot of parties where food will be served. It's important to be careful of certain foods that can damage your braces and harm your teeth.

Avoid chewy or hard candies, as they can break wires and brackets. Popcorn is also a top offender, as it can easily get stuck in between your teeth or get stuck under your archwire. Sticky foods like caramel, candy apples, candy canes, and gum should be avoided as well. These foods can stick to your enamel and cause damage. Nuts are also very hard on teeth and can lead to jaw pain if they are chewed on for too long. Don't forget to brush your teeth after eating a meal to remove any leftover food or debris from your teeth.

If you do happen to break a wire or have an emergency with your teeth during this holiday season, call us at our Carlsbad, CA, dental office. 

Don't Pick At Your Wires and Brackets

As tempting as it may be, try not to mess around with your braces too much! This can seriously damage them and also cause pain in your mouth. Once you get your braces tightened, you should leave them alone for about a week until they are fully settled. The last thing you want to do is irritate your mouth by messing with your braces. Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with specific instructions when it comes to caring for your teeth with braces. For example, they will probably give you a list of things you should avoid eating to help avoid damaging or breaking any parts of your braces.

Drink Water

Bring your own water bottle with you wherever you go. That way, you can sip on water all day long instead of sugary holiday drinks that can stain your teeth (and that you probably also shouldn't be sipping on anyway). Water can also help rinse away food particles that might be stuck in between your teeth or poking around your braces.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss regularly throughout the holidays to help keep your teeth clean and healthy during all the cooking and snacking you'll be doing. Try to get in the habit of brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. And be sure to floss at least once per day too!

If you would like to know more about what the treatment entails and what your options are, give us a call at (760) 804-0080 or schedule an online appointment to visit our dental practice in Carlsbad, CA.