Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year, as it’s a great opportunity to be reflective and consider everything we have to be thankful for in our lives. It is also a fun day to cook and indulge on our favorite foods at our annual feast. And if you have braces, you may be wondering what foods are safe to eat and what should be avoided.
Fortunately, most Thanksgiving staples are braces friendly! With a little guidance, you can enjoy the celebratory meal while preventing plaque and cavities, and also avoiding damage to your teeth and braces.
A general rule to follow while filling your holiday plate is to avoid foods that are sticky or hard. Foods that are sticky tend to get caught in between the brackets and teeth, while crunchy or hard foods increase the chance of damaging wires and brackets. ~ Dr. Victoria Rothman
Fill up on these Thanksgiving staples:
- Turkey — It’s hardly Thanksgiving without it! Just remember to cut the meat off the bone before eating it to avoid damaging the braces.
- Ham — Just like the turkey you should have no issues with this one. Cutting meats into smaller pieces may make it easier to eat.
- Stuffing — A soft and tasty side dish to go with your turkey.
- Vegetables — As long as your veggies are cooked you are in the clear. And make sure corn is cut off the cob.
- Casseroles — Sweet potato, green bean, etc. are all good- just avoid the sticky marshmallows!
- Pies — Luckily most Thanksgiving pies like pumpkin and apple are soft and safe for braces.
Avoid these foods:
- Nuts — Nuts can damage your braces. Ask if they have been added to any dishes you are going to eat.
- Popcorn — Hard kernels may damage your braces, and the kernels are notorious for getting stuck in your teeth.
- Uncooked vegetables — Broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower are fine to eat if they are cooked. However, in their raw form they are too hard and may damage your braces.
- Corn on the cob — On the cob, corn can do some damage to braces. But there are no problems if it is cut off.
- Caramel — Avoid this sticky treat that can easily get caught up in your braces.
Also, as a friendly reminder, it is important to limit the amount of sugary treats you eat. And of course at Pinecrest Orthodontics we always encourage brushing your teeth after your desserts. Your teeth will thank you if you keep these tips in mind as you are indulging!
Pinecrest Orthodontics Food Drive
In the spirit of the season of giving thanks, Pinecrest Orthodontics will be holding it’s first annual food drive through the Miami Rescue Mission’s Pack the Pantry campaign. Please help by bringing any canned/packaged food to our office before November 20, 2018. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Visit our website or social media (Facebook @pinecrestorthodontics or Instagram @pinecrestortho) for additional information.
From all of us at Pinecrest Orthodontics we wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Pinecrest Orthodontics is located in the Dixie Belle Shops at 12197 S. Dixie Highway in Pinecrest, FL. PH: 305.423.4130 www.pinecrestortho.com
