Helpful Holidays Hints for Braces

Austin, TX –It’s fall, which means so many fun holidays are right around the corner. But if you are currently in orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering how you can survive this holiday season while in braces. The team at Pure Smiles Orthodontics have created some helpful tips to ensure you and your braces have nothing to worry about.

Tips to survive the holidays in braces:

1. If you wear traditional bracket and wire braces it is important to know which foods, you need to avoid. Anything too hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy can damage your brackets and wires. Avoid foods such as popcorn, toffee, caramel, candy canes, peanut brittle, nuts, etc.
2. Be careful when drinking hot beverages, such as hot cocoa or apple cider. Sip slowly so your brackets and wires don’t get overheated. If you wear Invisalign, always remember to remove the aligners before drinking anything but plain water.
3. Don’t neglect your oral care routine. We know the holiday season can get busy, but don’t forget to brush and floss regularly!
4. opt for water whenever possible. We know there will be lots of parties and activities. But whenever possible, always opt for drinking water over sugary beverages.
5. Prepare for the unexpected. Always keep an on-the-go care kit with you in case you run into any issues. Keep orthodontic wax, interdental cleaners, toothbrush, and toothpaste, and even our phone number in your kit.
6. Enjoy many of your favorite treats, including turkey and mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and homemade rolls.
7. Show off your festive pride by choosing rubber band colors that reflect the holiday season.
8. Know what to do if a minor braces emergency arises. Your orthodontic office will have closures for the holidays, so it’s important to know what to do if something happens while the office is closed. If our office is closed, here are some tips:

• Treat any mouth discomfort with warm saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers and warm compresses.
• Use wax to cover any pieces of your braces causing irritation.
• Use tweezers to carefully push back a protruding wire. The eraser end of a pencil can also works for this.
• Clean, sterilized nail clippers can clip a wire that is causing irritation.
• Remember what foods to avoid so you don’t risk damaging your brackets or wires.
• Schedule an appointment to be seen as soon as we reopen.

With a little bit of preparation and mindfulness, you can enjoy the holidays throughout your time in orthodontic treatment. And don’t forget, your team at Pure Smiles Orthodontics is always here to help. If you have questions about foods you should avoid, or have any other questions, call our office at 512-215-2520.