Holiday Treats for People with Braces

Unfortunately, there is a long list of forbidden seasonal foods associated with braces. Nuts, candy canes, and caramel seem to permeate the treat scene, and none can be eaten with orthodontia. But there are still lots of delicious foods to eat–especially if you make your own! Here are some options for your holiday season.

• Smooth Fudge:Fudge is perhaps the quintessential treat for the holiday season. Chocolate fudge without nuts or caramel is very delicious, and totally allowed with braces. A few cautions about other flavors–if you choose to make peppermint fudge, use peppermint extract instead of candy canes. If you are someone who loves nuts in your fudge, try making a fudge with smooth peanut butter instead. Or, use a nut extract in a white or dark chocolate fudge. This gives you a nutty flavors and prevents nut pieces from getting stuck in your braces and injuring your teeth, gums, or hardware.
• Soft cookies:Soft cookies are still an excellent option for your sweet tooth. Remember to avoid nut pieces and candy cane pieces. Instead, try soft gingerbread, brownies, blondies, or soft sugar cookies.
• Pie:With the exceptions of pecan, caramel apple, and other forbidden ingredients, pie is a great option for teeth! Cream, fruit, custard, and meringue pies are all fun ideas for a braces-friendly dessert that everyone will love. Try a pumpkin cheesecake, or a lemon meringue pie with blueberries.

For more information, call Bradshaw & Hathaway in Tennessee, at 423-929-1126. Dr. Daniel Bradshaw and our team want to help your smile shine bright this season!