Orthodontics Help for The Holidays; Tips From a Kids Orthodontist in Camelback

The holidays are coming, and if you wear braces, this can be a frustrating time for you. Navigating all the busy schedules and foods that interfere with orthodontics can be a pain. But have no fear – with a pediatric orthodontist in Camelback like Dr. Lisa Bienstock, you can navigate the holiday season a little easier. It is important to have all the necessities for your teeth on hand ahead of time.

We are here to help you identify the top problems the holidays bring for braces and give you some ways to deal with them before they hit.

• According to a leading kids orthodontist in Camelback, nuts, hard candies, and caramel are some of the most popular holiday treats. Unfortunately, they are not recommended for kids with braces. Foods like pecan pie, caramel apples, and peanut brittle are popular treats to enjoy during the holiday season. However, these wreak havoc on braces and other orthodontics.  So, what are some alternatives that you can enjoy?  Anything soft, which includes holiday favorites like casseroles, rolls, stuffing, turkey, ham, or pumpkin pie. These are all soft foods that you can still enjoy eating throughout the holidays.

• Candy canes, fudge, and chewy candies are a big no-no when it comes to holiday sweet treats and orthodontics.  The hard and chewy textures stick to brackets, braces, and rubber bands, making it difficult to chew.  Instead, opt for more decadent foods such as cheese varieties, bread puddings, soft cookies, jams, and berries. According to Camelback pediatric dentists, not only are you protecting your child’s orthodontics, but you are cutting back on cavity risk when you choose sweets or foods that have less sugar.

• Don’t forget drinks can be just as damaging to your teeth. Soda pop, eggnog, hot chocolate, and other sugary liquids are easy to sip in the cold winter months. Just remember, all the sugar and color additives can damage your child’s teeth. Sugar loves to coat and sit on the surface of the tooth, damaging the enamel and causing cavities. The added colors can also cause tooth discoloration, which can be especially bad for kids with braces.

Now that we have a better idea of what foods to stay away from and some healthier and better options, let’s look at some other tips that will help you keep your teeth in great shape throughout the holiday season.

Remember to Brush

When you are off schedule, it is common to have the daily routine of dental hygiene fall by the wayside. But the holiday season is all the more reason to remember to brush and floss regularly. Your child should be brushing after every meal and after indulging in sweet treats that could stick to their teeth or braces. Make sure and have extra rubber bands and other supplies readily available.

Attend Regular Appointments with Your Pediatric Orthodontist in Camelback

 This ensures that there hasn’t been any damage or changes in your child’s orthodontics while eating, traveling, or simply being off schedule. Avoiding any emergencies and making an extra trip to your kids dental office in Camelback can really cut into your holiday plans or travel arrangements. Attending your regular appointment will ensure everything is still in place and will keep your child’s healthy smile on track. 

With Dr Lisa Bienstock, an affordable kids dentist in Camelback, we know the holidays can be especially hard on kids who have orthodontics. This is why we want to provide parents and kids with all the resources they need to get through the holiday season and keep their child’s smile healthy and beautiful. Give us a call at (602) 903-4894 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you!