With the holiday season comes a plethora of goodies and delicious food. But you don’t want to ruin your holiday plans by breaking a bracket or wire. How can you keep your mouth healthy while still enjoying the season? Along with consistent oral hygiene habits, eating the right foods can really help your smile. Here are some holiday foods that are great for teeth with braces!
Roast Turkey: Poultry, eggs, and fish are all packed with protein, which is excellent for mouth health. Protein-rich foods provide phosphorus, which works closely with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. So roast up that turkey, and enjoy every bite!
Mashed Potatoes: If you brush your teeth well after eating starchy foods, mashed potatoes are a great option! They are soft, so they won’t damage your braces. Add some milk or sour cream for an extra shot of calcium, and enjoy.
Steamed Carrots and Green Beans: Soft vegetables are a great way to get vitamins and minerals without the risk of breaking braces. Steam them just past al dente to make sure they are soft enough for your braces, but not mushy.
Fruit, Cheese, and Chocolate Platter: Thinly sliced and carefully arranged seasonal fruits make a spectacular dessert spread, especially when paired with cubes and blocks of various cheeses. Fruits provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your body; cheese is packed with calcium–important for strong bones. Goat cheese is especially high in calcium–and lower in fat and calories than cow’s milk cheese!
Alternatively, dip fruits in white, dark, or milk chocolate and serve with cider or eggnog. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is a good sweets option, as it melts in your mouth and doesn’t stick to your teeth.
Don’t let having braces stop you from enjoying your holiday. Prepare some of the above dishes for your family and enjoy them along with everyone else! For more information, call [practice_name] in [city], [state], at [phone]. Dr. [doctor_name] and our team are happy to help you have a happy holiday!