From juicy turkey to crunchy pecan pie, the holidays offer plenty of treats to suit any taste, whether you’re a fan of salty or sweet. If you have braces, however, there are certain festive foods you should avoid. The following items can wreak havoc on your orthodontics.

What Holiday Foods Should You Avoid if You Have Braces?

1. Nuts

Hard nuts can easily damage delicate braces brackets and wires if you bite down on them. If you’re missing the flavor, you can use nut extracts in cakes and cookies instead.

2. Candy Canes

Never bite down on a candy cane, as this can damage braces as well as the protective enamel coating your teeth. Sucking on these sweets over time allows a layer of sugar to coat teeth and gums, attracting bacteria responsible for cavities. Opt for a plain piece of chocolate that won’t stick to your teeth as easily, and rinse afterward if you don’t have access to a toothbrush. 

3. Pies With Nuts & Caramels

In addition to nuts, pecan pie is full of sticky caramel, which is very difficult to clean off teeth and braces. Opt for softer fruit, custard, or cream pies — without caramel or nuts — instead. Since all these sweet treats are full of sugar, make sure to brush thoroughly after dessert.

4. Popcorn

Popcorn kernels can get stuck between teeth for extended periods of time since brackets and wires make them hard to remove. This can lead to painful swelling of the gums, and can even require a special cleaning from a dentist. 

5. Turkey

You don’t have to avoid this dish completely but you do need to take precautions when eating it. Never eat directly off the bone, as that can damage brackets or wires if you bite down on it. Stringy bits of meat can get stuck in braces, so be sure to floss after eating. Water flossers or floss-threaders are ideal for working around wires.

When families of Norcross, GA, need reliable dental care, they look to iCare Dentistry. Serving children and adults alike, these professionals believe the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be scary and have created a friendly, welcoming environment to put you at ease. Whether you need a special cleaning for your braces or are interested in cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, their team will take the time to personally advise you on the right treatment plan. You can view a list of their services on their website. For an appointment, call (770) 609-6106.