Thanksgiving is around the corner. What a great time to meet and bond with your long-lost family members over a sumptuous meal. But, what if you’ve just had some orthodontic appliances fixed? It can be tricky to uphold the festive mood while being cautious about what to eat or drink. Rest assured, unlike other Halloween or other holidays, most families share meals that you can enjoy with or without your braces during Thanksgiving.

Here is the thing. If you eat sticky foods, they may get stuck between your teeth and brackets. And, hard or crunchy foods tend to erode the brackets and wires. Avoid adding such foods to your plate this holiday season.

Well, instead of waiting and hoping that your dental appliances will not malfunction or trigger an emergency as you party, there are steps you can take to prevent any eventualities. Let’s look at some of these handy tips to get you ready for this festive season:

STARTERS
Appetizers are irresistible. They always seem to taste better than the main meal. Only, you need to pick the right finger foods that are safe on braces. You still have lots of options!

Meatballs, sliced meats, deviled eggs, cocktail weenies, or some cheese are soft snack foods that are easy to prepare, cheaper than the main course, and safe on braces.

In contrast, raw veggies, crispy potato chips, or flavored popcorn are great tasting treats but too harsh on your teeth and dental devices.

MAIN COURSE
Our typical Thanksgiving staples are safe on orthodontic appliances. Hence, you can uphold your annual traditions with the foods you love most.

• Turkey, Ham, and Meats
Thanksgiving ham, turkey, and other meat bites are usually tender, hence, braces and teeth-friendly. Still, ensure you shred bone-in meats and avoid stringy steaks. Such flesh tends to get stuck on the devices and in between teeth.

• Stuffing
Meals that use the soft classical Thanksgiving dressing is safe on orthodontic devices. But, stuffing that includes pecans or walnuts may be too crunchy. If unsure, always ask your host about the ingredients before taking a bite.

• Vegetables
Heat softens vegetables, creating a safe texture against your teeth and braces. Then, pick cooked instead of raw vegetables for a nutritious Thanksgiving plate. For example, mashed potatoes are a feel-good staple requiring minimal chewing. These fluffy and creamy carbs are perfect on braces. Next, do you love grilled corn on the cob? Remove the unsafe kernels and prepare some casserole corn instead.

• Casseroles
Preparing dishes in bowls or deep pans allows you to mix more ingredients for that unique, tasty flavor. It can also prove harmful to your teeth and braces if you use ingredients that can erode your teeth. Then, if you love casserole dishes, sift out any hard or crunchy foods before preparing you green beans or sticky marshmallows.

• Bread
All kinds of bread, pastries, and muffins are safe on orthodontic appliances. Still, keep off any buns and slices that include nuts.

DESSERT
Now, when it comes to dessert, you need to have all your guard up. You know, this best part of a Thanksgiving meal is prepared and served in a variety of ways.

For starters, keep off baked desserts that include caramel, nuts, or any other crunchy ingredients. Here, you want to swap some nutty pies, cookies, and cakes for delicious puddings and mousses.
Next, keep off any sticky sweets, caramel, or crunchy bark candles. Such sweet treats can damage your teeth.

Then, what do you want to have on your Thanksgiving plate? Whatever your safe food choice, remember to brush and floss your teeth afterward. This dental care routine prevents cavities and many other problems in the long run. If you need further tips on looking after your teeth when on orthodontic appliances, contact our clinic today.