Thanksgiving Orthodontic Care

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, fun, and family gatherings. But for those with braces, indulging in holiday treats and choosing costumes can pose unique challenges. At Massih Orthodontics in Glendale, CA, Dr. Karmen Massih shares essential tips for celebrating Thanksgiving safely and responsibly with braces. From the best candy choices to braces-friendly costume tips, here’s how to protect your smile and enjoy the holiday season without worry.

Understanding the Risks: Why Thanksgiving Requires Extra Care

While Thanksgiving is often thought of as a holiday centered on food, it also comes with its share of sugary treats and activities that can risk damaging orthodontic appliances. Sticky, hard, and chewy foods are often the stars of the season but are known for causing complications with braces. Costume accessories and holiday activities can also pose risks for those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Taking extra precautions during Thanksgiving ensures that your braces stay intact, reducing the chances of emergency visits and ensuring a smooth treatment process.

Candy Tips: Enjoying Sweets Without Compromising Your Braces

While Thanksgiving isn’t as candy-focused as Halloween, it’s still common to encounter sweets at holiday gatherings. Knowing which treats are safe and which ones to avoid can help you make smart choices for your braces.

1. Avoid Sticky and Chewy Sweets

Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears are common holiday treats that should be avoided with braces. These candies easily adhere to brackets and wires, increasing the risk of damage and making it harder to keep your braces clean.

• Risk: Sticky candies can dislodge brackets or wires and are difficult to remove from between braces, leading to a higher chance of cavities.
• Alternative: If you’re craving something sweet, try chocolate that melts in your mouth, such as plain milk or dark chocolate, which is less likely to stick to your braces.

2. Be Cautious with Hard Candies

Hard candies may seem harmless if you suck on them slowly, but they pose a risk if bitten down upon. Biting hard candies can easily crack or bend wires, prolonging your treatment time.

• Risk: Hard candies can snap brackets and even chip teeth if bitten too hard, causing pain and requiring immediate repair.
• Alternative: Choose soft chocolates or baked goods that don’t require biting down with too much force.

3. Limit Sugary Treats and Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The sugar in holiday treats can fuel bacteria in your mouth, increasing the likelihood of cavities. With braces, it can be challenging to remove all the sugar particles that get trapped around brackets and wires.

• Tip: Limit your intake of sugary treats, and make sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward to keep your braces and teeth clean. Rinsing with water after eating sugary foods can also help wash away some of the sugar if brushing isn’t immediately possible.

Braces-Friendly Food Choices for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is filled with delicious dishes that, with a bit of care, you can still enjoy while wearing braces. Focus on softer foods and avoid anything that requires excessive biting or chewing.

• Mashed Potatoes and Stuffing: These holiday favorites are not only soft but also braces-friendly. They’re easy to eat and won’t pose a risk to brackets or wires.
• Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are great choices that provide nutrients without risking damage to your braces.
• Soft Desserts: Pies, cakes, and custards are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the sticky or hard textures that can compromise your orthodontic treatment. Just be cautious with nuts or crunchy toppings on pies.

Costume Tips: Orthodontic-Friendly Choices for a Fun Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may not be known for costumes in the same way Halloween is, but themed gatherings, fall festivals, and parties still offer plenty of opportunities for dressing up. If you plan to celebrate in costume, here are some tips to keep your braces safe.

1. Avoid Face Paints That Can Irritate

Face paints and certain makeup products can be problematic for people with braces, especially if they cause itching or irritation around the mouth area. Some face paints contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, so opt for hypoallergenic options if you plan to wear makeup.

• Alternative: Look for hypoallergenic, non-toxic face paints, and test the product on a small area of your skin before applying it to your face to avoid any irritation.

2. Be Mindful with Costume Props

Accessories like fake teeth or mouthguards may seem fun, but they can press against your braces and cause discomfort or even damage. It’s best to avoid costume accessories that interfere with your mouth area.

• Tip: Opt for accessories like hats, masks, or scarves that don’t touch or put pressure on your braces. You’ll stay in character without compromising your orthodontic treatment.

3. Select Comfortable Masks

Masks that cover the mouth and face may seem like an easy option, but tight-fitting masks can press against your braces, causing discomfort and possibly shifting the alignment of your teeth. If you choose to wear a mask, go for one that has ample room around the mouth area.

• Alternative: Choose loose-fitting masks that don’t press against your mouth or braces. You can still have fun with your costume while keeping your orthodontic appliances safe.

What to Do If You Experience Orthodontic Issues Over Thanksgiving

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents happen. Here’s what you should do if you experience any issues with your braces during the holiday:

• Loose Brackets or Wires: If a bracket or wire becomes loose, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp areas that might irritate your mouth. Contact Massih Orthodontics as soon as possible after the holiday to schedule a repair.
• Lost Retainers: If you’ve recently completed treatment and are using a retainer, be sure to keep it in its case when not in use. Losing your retainer can lead to teeth shifting back to their original positions.
• Emergency Contact: Keep Dr. Massih’s contact information handy in case you need immediate guidance. While many orthodontic issues can wait until the next business day, it’s always best to seek advice if you’re in pain or uncertain.

Protecting Your Smile for the Holiday Season and Beyond

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, and it’s a good time to set braces-friendly habits that can carry you through the rest of the year. Remember to avoid foods that could harm your braces, make smart choices with candies, and keep costume accessories comfortable and non-intrusive.

By following these guidelines, you can focus on celebrating with friends and family instead of worrying about emergency orthodontic visits. Dr. Karmen Massih and her team at Massih Orthodontics are here to support you with advice, emergency care, and expert guidance for all your orthodontic needs during the holidays and beyond.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Confidence and Care

This Thanksgiving, keep your braces and smile safe with a little extra caution and smart choices. Massih Orthodontics in Glendale, CA, is committed to helping you maintain your orthodontic treatment, even during festive times. By following these holiday tips, you can enjoy the best of Thanksgiving while ensuring that your braces stay intact and your treatment progresses smoothly. With the right approach, you can savor the holiday season with a bright, healthy smile ready for all your future celebrations.

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Sources:

1. Proffit, W. R., Fields, H. W., & Sarver, D. M. (2018). Contemporary Orthodontics. Elsevier Health Sciences.
2. Park, J. H., et al. (2014). Orthodontic Retention: A Systematic Review. Journal of Orthodontics.
3. Littlewood, S. J., & Millett, D. T. (2013). Management of Orthodontic Emergencies. Dental Update.