Braces do amazing things for your smile. We’re big fans of them because every day we get to see how happy our patients are with the results! But one question a lot of our patients ask is, can you eat Thanksgiving dinner with braces? Short answer: Yes! Here’s what you need to know about Thanksgiving dinner and your braces.

Are There Foods You Should Avoid?

When answering the question, “Can you eat Thanksgiving dinner with braces?” it’s important to consider the specific foods you want to eat to know if they are safe for your braces or not.

We usually recommend that people who have braces avoid foods that are crunchy, hard, chewy, or sticky. Foods that need to be bitten into like caramel apples, dinner rolls, or corn on the cob are also best to avoid, as well.

Which Foods are Safe to Eat?

There are still lots of other tasty traditional holiday treats that are safe to enjoy with braces! Soft foods, that don’t need to be chewed a lot, can be torn into smaller pieces, or don’t need to be bitten into are all typically good choices.

The list of braces-safe foods that are also popular holiday treats can include candied yams, casseroles, cooked fruit and veggies, cheesy or mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, custard or cream pies, apple pie, cheesecake, or puddings.

How Should You Care for Your Braces After Dinner?

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Can you eat Thanksgiving dinner with braces?” let’s talk about after-dinner braces care. It’s important to brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, drinking a glass of water can help to wash away food debris and prevent plaque buildup.

For more after-holiday, braces care tips, talk with your orthodontist at your next appointment. They’ll be happy to help you learn the easiest and most effective ways to keep your braces in top shape during the holidays.

Call our Woodward Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.