Can I enjoy Thanksgiving with braces? Ask our orthodontist!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and all anyone is talking about is food! What they’re baking, or cooking, or buying to set the table for a holiday that is tailor-made for overindulging. If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with Ortho Inc., you may be wondering, “What about me? Am I consigned to sitting on the couch watching football while the rest of my family digs into the cornucopia of goodies that have been laid out on the holiday table?”

Well, in a word, no. Follow a few suggestions from our orthodontist and you’ll be able to indulge. To a point. 

• First of all, if you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, whether across the country or across town, make sure to pack along a travel-sized toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss and an interdental brush. Don’t let food particles linger on your teeth and the wires on your braces between meals, even when you’re away from home.

• Before the big meal, stay away from finger foods like raw fruits and veggies, nuts and dried fruit. Chips, pretzels and popcorn are no-nos.

• Once dinner is served, turkey and ham are soft enough to enjoy, but avoid eating directly off the bone. Ditto mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Stuffing is generally soft, unless it contains nuts, croutons or other crusty ingredients.

• We advise avoiding sugary desserts, but if you choose to indulge, softer selections like pumpkin and sweet potato pie are acceptable unless they contain ingredients like nuts (like pecan pie!). Crunchy cookies and anything containing sticky stuff like caramels should be avoided.

• And be sure to floss and brush thoroughly after each meal — no matter where you are — to remove any leftover food particles on your teeth and between your wires. 

Our orthodontist and the entire staff at Ortho Inc. wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! Please contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.