Dietary Adjustments 

While you can still enjoy most of your favorite holiday goodies with braces, a few items will have to be off the menu. Avoid foods and candies that are too chewy, sticky, or hard. Stick to a balanced diet and limit sugary treats. When you do partake in some holiday treats, it is best to eat them right after a meal. Saliva flow is at its highest right after eating, which helps wash away excess food particles. 

Avoid the Following Holiday Sweets 

• Candy canes

• Gingerbread cookies

• Nuts 

• Peanut brittle 

• Popcorn 

• Caramel apples

Braces-Friendly Holiday Treats

• Sugar cookies 

• Ice cream 

• Hot chocolate 

• Potato pancakes 

• Cheesecake 

• Chocolate

Pack a Travel Kit

The holiday season is a popular time to travel. We all are familiar with the feeling of driving an hour down the road and suddenly realizing you forgot your deodorant or phone charger at home. While you may think you can coast without some essentials for a few days, you don’t want to do that with oral hygiene items. Pack a comprehensive oral care kit for your holiday vacations. Your kit should include a toothbrush, floss and threaders, an interdental brush, and mouthwash. 

Inform Relatives of Dietary Restrictions 

Unless your relatives have recently undergone orthodontic treatment, they probably don’t remember all the dietary restrictions braces impose. You don’t want to be left hungry at dinner or have to give your slice of pecan pie to your sibling because there aren’t any braces-friendly options. Call any relatives or loved ones you will be staying with beforehand to provide a list of foods that aren’t braces-friendly. It might be wise to pack a few snacks, as well. 

Prioritize Hydration

The holidays are busy; from holiday shopping and baking cookies to catching up with loved ones, the days fly by. It can be hard to remember to keep up with basic necessities, such as drinking enough water. Staying hydrated is always important, but it is essential with braces. Water helps wash away excess food particles that linger around your brackets and wires after a meal. Don’t rely on sports drinks as your main hydration source. Sport drinks should only be consumed in moderation since they are often high in sugar and acidic.