Foods to avoid when you have Braces over the Christmas period

Christmas time is a very tempting time when it comes to delicious cooked lunches and sweet treats, but unfortunately if you are currently in Orthodontic treatment with Braces, or any other fixed metal appliance, you need to be mindful of what you are eating.

Below is a ‘traffic light’ list of foods that you need to try and avoid or eat with caution. We understand it is the festive seasons, so we still want you to be able to indulge, but remember, a broken wire or bracket can add on an extra month to your treatment meaning that you will be in treatment for longer!

Red Light Foods, to avoid;

  • Candy Canes and Toffee
  • Pork Crackling
  • Crusty breads
  • Hard biscuits such as Biscotti
  • Ice
  • Hard boiled lollies
  • Caramel lollies
  • Chocolate that has been in the fridge
  • Nuts

Orange Light Foods, to eat with caution;

  • Meat on the bone, such as chicken drumsticks
  • Crackers, such as Savoys and Pretzels
  • Corn chips and potato chips
  • Corn on the cob
  • Raw veggie sticks such as carrot and celery
  • Plain Chocolate that can be sucked on

Green Light Foods, ENJOY!

  • Turkey, Ham, Seafood and BBQ meats such as sausages and burger patties
  • Fruit Cake
  • Cheesecake, Muffins and Nut free slices
  • Cheeses
  • Custards
  • Fruit Salad
  • Salads
  • Cooked veggies

Remember also to avoid sugary Drinks where possible, and if you are treating yourself to one, use a straw and have them while you are eating a meal. Drink water afterwards.

Although there are  number of foods that need to be avoided there are still plenty of things you can indulge in over the Christmas break, and if it means you can stay on track with your orthodontic treatment and get your Braces off sooner than later, then we think that is a pretty good deal!

For any concerns with your orthodontic treatment over our closed period, please email us at [email protected], or send us a text message using the pop up chat bubble on the bottom right hand side of our website. Once we have received your enquiry one of our staff members will get back to you asap.