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Even with the holidays around the corner, your orthodontic treatment won’t take a holiday, so it’s up to you to remember why you are wearing braces. With proper care, you can enjoy all the festivities by following a few helpful tips that can keep your teeth and braces safe to ensure that your treatment time stays on track. Along with seeing our Atlanta orthodontist for routine appointments, keeping up with rubber band use, as well as having toothpaste, wax and retainer cases on hand is a great way to start the season.

THANKSGIVING

This warmth-filled holiday is all about comfort food and get-togethers with the people you love and care about. Thankfully, this occasion can still be celebrated in braces and is much easier than Halloween with its tasty traps. Snacking on soft cheeses, deviled eggs, bite-sized turkey pieces OFF the bone, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, your grandmother’s green bean casserole, corn casserole, stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie won’t pose a problem for braces brackets and wires. Forgo the crunchy, nutty toppings, avoid pecan pie or anything with caramel and follow up your scrumptious feast with careful brushing and flossing. Remember, you won’t always be in braces so the day will come when you can indulge in your seasonal favorites again.

THE WINTER HOLIDAYS & NEW YEAR

Decorating your home; giving and receiving gifts; attending parties and downing eggnog, hot chocolate and champagne with friends, family, and co-workers can all still be done with mindful care to protect teeth and braces. You want to make sure you don’t damage parts or invite cavities and tooth discoloration around the brackets. You are wise to skip the candy canes, peanut brittle, fudge and chewy candies. Festive alternatives include fresh seasonal fruits – kiwis, oranges, clementines, grapefruit and tangerines. These are rich in vitamin C which can help you fight gum disease and even help prevent seasonal colds. Soft-cooked vegetable offerings are safe, as are soft cheeses like brie and cheese balls (WITHOUT nuts), soft cookies, bread puddings, cakes, muffins and soft fruits like jarred fruits, fresh berries and seedless grapes.

TAKING TIME TO CARE FOR YOUR BRACES THIS HOLIDAY

No matter what holiday, be sure to remain attentive to your daily oral hygiene because neglecting it can set your orthodontic treatment time back. Brush after each meal, using a toothbrush (or interdental toothbrush) and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least twice a day, or after meals whenever possible. Floss threaders can make cleaning between teeth, brackets and wires easier, and many patients find using an oral irrigator easy and effective. Also, it is very important to remember to bring your oral hygiene necessities if you are traveling over the holidays. Such necessities include extra flossers and elastics. Be sure to stop by our office and ask the best Snellville orthodontist if you need to pick up more elastics before your trip.

Being mindful and taking good care of your teeth in braces during this hectic, busy time can help you avoid dental problems and orthodontic emergencies. This holiday season, whether you are basting a tasty turkey, kissing loved ones under the mistletoe or making good on your resolutions for the new year, be sure to put forth your best smile by taking good care of your braces!

P.S., We love your smile.