Orthodontist in Newark, OH on 5 Holiday Foods to Avoid

We are looking forward to a warm and happy holiday season here at our practice, and we hope you are, too! Delicious treats abound this time of year — but if you or your child have braces, you will want to look out for some of the dangerous holiday foods to stay safe from broken wires and popped off braces. Keep reading to find out what your orthodontist in Newark, OH says to stay away from this time of year (and until your braces come off)!

5 Foods to Avoid

There are at least five treats to look out for this time of year. If you simply can’t go without indulging, we advise cutting them into small bites when possible or eating with extreme caution. And, if your best efforts fail and you end up with damaged braces, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us as soon as possible!

#1: Peanut Brittle

We love it as much as anyone else — but peanut brittle and other hard treats like it put your braces at a serious risk of getting damaged. In fact, it is best to stay away from this specific sweet at all costs, as there is simply no way to eat it safely.

#2: Toffee

Equally dangerous is something sticky, like toffee. You can imagine how it happens — the sweet gets stuck to a bracket and then, before you know it, it’s no longer attached to your tooth like it should be. Avoid dislodging your brackets and wires by staying away from excessively sticky sweets completely.

#3: Sweet Punch

The holiday season may be the “sweetest” there is, and it can be hard to minimize the amount of sugar that you consume. However, eating too much sugar any time of year will put your smile at a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease. That can really spell trouble if you wear braces, which can inhibit proper brushing and flossing.

#4: Nuts

Mixed nuts are a common appetizer around the holidays, but chomping down on the harder ones (like almonds and Brazil nuts) can put your braces at risk of becoming dislodged from the surface of your tooth. You can eat these, but proceed with caution.

#5: Crusty Bread

When the cheese plate comes around, it’s best to pair your choice with a softer cracker than a piece of hard, crusty bread. As with all the aforementioned foods, crusty bread can easily dislodge a bracket or wire.

Broken Braces — What Now?

If you try your best to avoid damaging your braces but still experience a popped off wire or bracket anyway, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthodontist. Acting fast will ensure the problem is fixed right away so you don’t experience any delays in treatment!

About the Authors

Dr. Wigal and Dr. Lawrence are orthodontists providing superior care to patients in and around Heath and Mt. Vernon. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment with the “dentist near me” your neighbors trust, do not hesitate to contact the office at 740-281-0445.