Whether you're carving up a juicy turkey or pulling a delicious pecan pie out of the oven, you're sure to enjoy a variety of treats this holiday season. But before you dig in, consider your braces, as certain foods can damage them. For the best results, minimize your consumption of the items below.

Which Holiday Foods Are Harmful for Braces?

1. Candy Canes

Candy canes are hard, and if you bite down on them, you could damage your braces or chip a tooth. Additionally, they often splinter off with sharp edges, which could cause tongue or gum injuries. Unfortunately, sucking on this treat instead won’t make much of a difference—a layer of sugar will coat the teeth, attracting bacteria and contributing to decay. 

2. Pecan Pie

This fan-favorite dessert features two dangerous elements for braces: stickiness and hardness. The tough outer layer of pecans can easily damage the delicate wires, and the sticky, gooey caramel can get stuck between the brackets, which are already difficult to clean.

3. Popcorn

It’s customary to receive a holiday tin full of popcorn treats. However, you should steer clear of this snack. Regular popcorn on its own often leads to kernels stuck between the brackets, and when you add in fun flavors like caramel corn or peppermint, the risks only increase. If these pieces get stuck in the brackets, they can lead to painful, swollen gums. 

4. Turkey

While you don’t need to completely avoid this dish, you should still be cautious when eating it. Chewing directly off the bone can damage brackets or wires, and stringy pieces of meat can get stuck in between braces. To err on the side of caution, opt for breast meat without any bones, and floss after the meal.

If you need help protecting your braces this holiday season, turn to the team at Hawaii Orthodontist. This Honolulu and Waipahu dental office works with patients of all ages to identify and resolve oral health concerns and obtain beautiful smiles. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (808) 947-3737 to schedule a free consultation today.