This December 4, celebrate National Cookie Day with some of your favorite sweets. If you have braces, you don’t have to miss this sugar-filled celebration, simply be mindful of the types of cookies you’re eating. To keep your orthodontist happy and your braces in good shape, here are the best and worst cookies for your teeth.

4 Cookies to Consider When You Have Braces

1. Oatmeal Raisin

If you’re looking for a cookie to satiate your sweet tooth without damaging your braces, try an oatmeal raisin cookie. Not only are these soft and easy to chew, but the raisins have anti-cavity properties. The oatmeal can get stuck between the wires of your braces, so make sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water when you’re done.

2. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter sugar cookies are also a good choice if you have braces. These cookies are generally soft and not too chewy, so they likely won’t damage your wires and brackets. They do contain high sugar amounts, so don’t forget to brush and floss when you’re done eating.

3. No Bake Peanut Butter & Oatmeal

While these cookies may have some of the same ingredients as the ones above, they’re not baked, which means they can be stickier. The peanut butter and oatmeal in this cookie are incredibly chewy, which means it’s easy for them to stick to your braces, making them difficult to remove when you’re done.

4. Biscotti

While these cookies have less sugar than many of their counterparts, they are baked twice for a crunchy texture and often contain nuts. Because of their consistency, these cookies can easily damage your brackets or wires if you bite into them the wrong way. If you have braces, avoid them this December.

If you’re looking to improve your smile or you need a touch-up after partaking in National Cookie Day, trust the professionals at Hovda Kristo Orthodontics in Lincoln and Marathon Counties, WI. Whether you need braces for the first time or need to fix a broken bracket, the orthodontists on staff are equipped to meet your needs. Visit them online to find out more about how they can take your smile to the next level, or call their Merrill location at (715) 536-1339 or their Wausau location at (715) 842-5459 to speak with a member of their team.