Prevent Invisalign® Emergencies During the Holidays
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for family, great food, and all the holiday season has to offer. That being said, we understand if you might be feeling a bit concerned about what you’re going to eat this year for the Thanksgiving meal, especially if you have orthodontic braces. The good news is that there’s still plenty to enjoy during the feast and our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas are ready to help with their expert tips.
Braces-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
A surprising number of classic holiday dishes are naturally soft and easy to chew, making them ideal for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. Mashed potatoes are one of the safest foods on the table and always a crowd favorite. Stuffing that has been baked to a moist, soft texture is also gentle on your and full of flavor.
Turkey is a Thanksgiving essential, and you can absolutely enjoy it as long as you cut it into small, manageable pieces. Sliced turkey breast is easier to chew than dark meat and puts less strain on your teeth. Many side dishes like sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, and rolls with a soft interior are also safe and satisfying options for people with dental braces.
Foods to Avoid or Eat with Caution
While the Thanksgiving spread is filled with braces-friendly choices, some foods can pose a risk to brackets and wires. Anything hard, crunchy, sticky, or overly chewy should be avoided. Popular risky foods include nuts, crisp bread crusts, raw vegetables, and tough meats that require forceful biting.
Holiday desserts may also require a closer look. Pumpkin pie is typically safe, thanks to its smooth and soft texture. However, pies with nuts, sticky fillings, or crunchy toppings like pecan pie or apple crisp are best avoided. Candied nuts, caramel candies, and sticky toffees should also stay off your plate to prevent emergency visits and unnecessary discomfort.
Make Wise Decisions at the Thanksgiving Table
A little planning can help you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal without worry. Before loading up your plate, take a moment to scan the table and identify foods that could be harmful to your . Choose softer items first and avoid biting directly into harder foods. Instead, cut dishes into smaller pieces to make chewing easier and more comfortable.
If you’re not sure about a certain dish, consider the texture and how much chewing it requires. When in doubt, select foods that are smooth, soft, or easily mashed with a fork. This approach reduces the risk of bent wires or loose brackets and helps protect your orthodontic progress.
How to Clean Your Braces This Thanksgiving
Holiday meals are often rich, sweet, and sticky, which means extra attention to oral hygiene is essential. Try to brush after eating or at least rinse your mouth with water if brushing isn’t possible right away. Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to carefully remove food particles that may get stuck around your brackets and wires.
Packing a small travel care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and orthodontic wax is helpful if you’re celebrating away from home. These tools make it easy to stay comfortable and keep your dental braces clean throughout the day.
Celebrate a Braces-Friendly Thanksgiving
In need of more holiday tips for ceramic or metal braces? Need to schedule your next orthodontic appointment with Parrish Orthodontics? Our , and surrounding areas are ready to set you up for success this year. Call (260) 447-2568 or contact us online to get started.