The holidays are a time for laughter, gatherings, and of course — plenty of delicious food. But if you or your child are in braces or clear aligners, some festive treats can be trickier to navigate. At Mackenzie Orthodontics, we believe you can still enjoy every bite and protect your smile — it just takes a little planning and care.
Foods to Avoid (and Why):
From candy canes to caramel popcorn, many seasonal sweets can be tough on braces. These sticky or crunchy treats can bend wires, loosen brackets, or trap sugar in hard-to-clean spots.
Skip these this season to keep your smile safe:
- Hard candies and candy canes — one crunch can spell trouble for brackets.
- Caramel, toffee, and brittle — sticky textures cling to braces and are tough to clean.
- Popcorn and nuts — kernels and small pieces can easily get lodged between brackets.
- Crunchy cookies or gingerbread — if they’re hard enough to “crack,” they’re hard enough to damage braces.
Braces-Friendly Holiday Favorites:
You don’t have to skip the fun — just make a few smart swaps! Try these orthodontist-approved options instead:
- Soft sugar cookies or shortbread (without nuts or hard icing)
- Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate or truffles
- Marshmallow treats or soft fudge
- Warm holiday drinks like hot cocoa — just rinse and brush after!
Smile Care During the Holidays
Busy holiday schedules can make it easy to skip brushing or forget elastics — but consistency is key to staying on track.
Keep your smile healthy and sparkling by:
- Brushing after meals and sweets
- Using a travel-sized kit for on-the-go care
- Wearing elastics as prescribed
- Staying hydrated to reduce sugar buildup
And remember — if a bracket breaks or something feels off, our team is just a call away!