Tips to Keep Braces Safe this Christmas

Christmas is one of the most popular festivals around the world, celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is all about spending time with your loved ones. With Christmas around the corner, people start planning what gifts are to be shared with their near and dear ones.

Christmas is a joyful and festive holiday, but it can also present a few hazards when it comes to keeping your braces safe and maintaining your treatment progress. Here are a few useful tips for enjoying your holiday without risking damage to your teeth or appliances:

Brushing and Flossing

After eating a meal that is high in sugar and starch, such as mashed potatoes or stuffing, be sure to brush your teeth immediately, so the food doesn’t start to stick between your wires and your teeth. This also provides a good excuse to sneak away from the table and brush your teeth before returning to the festivities.

In addition, you should always brush after enjoying any sticky sweets like candy canes and caramels. The glue that sticks to your brackets can get stuck in between your teeth if not removed quickly. You may also want to floss before brushing to remove any remaining food particles.

Be Careful While Eating Foods With Sticky Textures

These holiday favorites can be fun to eat, but the sticky nature of candy canes makes them a challenge to enjoy while you go through orthodontic treatment. If you do eat one, be sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth out with water right away to remove any sugar residues that could cause tooth decay.

Limit Chewy Candies

The chewy texture of candies like caramels and toffees can get stuck in your brackets and wires and cause damage. Hard candy can damage the enamel on the tooth directly next to the bracket as well. If you love these treats, try to enjoy them in moderation or brush your teeth after eating them.

No Sugary Snacks

Popcorn is a favorite at many Christmas parties, but it can be problematic for braces patients. The kernels can get stuck between teeth and be difficult to chew away before the mouth fills with more popcorn. Try eating a healthier snack like nuts instead.

Be Gentle While Eating Spicy Foods

Hot sauce is a popular accompaniment to many dishes during the season, but you have to be careful when eating it if you want to avoid damage to your orthodontic appliances. Be gentle when you bite into anything spicy to protect your brackets from damage.

Call Dentist in Spring, TX, at Vita Dental or schedule an online appointment to learn more tips to keep teeth healthy.