Holiday Treats That Are Safe For Braces
As Explained By Your Knoxville Orthodontist
As the holidays approach, we know that many of our patients are getting excited for a relaxing season cuddling up next to the fire, enjoying the company of family and friends, and digging into delicious holiday sweets. But while they may be mouth-wateringly delicious, the sweets we love during the holidays are a veritable minefield for braces - they contain sugars and carbs that collect around brackets and wires, and when exposed to bacteria in the mouth, they break down into acids that attack teeth and cause cavities and decay. That's why for this blog, we're going to give you some holiday treats that are both delicious and safe to enjoy with braces!
Fresh Fruit
Fruit is a dream come true - it's high in antioxidants and a variety of other nutrients, it's naturally sweet and will satisfy a sugar craving, and it's a safe treat for braces-wearers. You can serve it plain, mix it into a fruit salad, or dress it with cream or yogurt for a tasty, healthy dessert. Fruit does contain some acids that can attack teeth, so be sure to brush your teeth after eating.
Frozen Yogurt
We all know ice cream is a favorite among kids, but unfortunately it's loaded with extra sugar that takes a toll on braces. Instead, opt for a reduced-sugar, lowfat frozen yogurt - this provides the same delicious, chilly treat, but without all the added sugar and fat. You can even try making your own at home!
Baked Goods
While many baked goods are stuffed with sugar and carbs that can hurt teeth and braces, you can make your own at home and lower the sugar in the recipe. Swapping out sugar for a natural sweetener like Stevia is perfect for this - and you'd be amazed how easy it is! You can make a simple fruit tart by cooking two cups of blueberries, 1/3 cup of water, two tbsp of flower, a dash of lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of stevia for around two minutes, then pouring the mixture into a baked piecrust that's been lined with fresh blueberries. Chill the tart and serve for a decadent treat that's sure to leave kids and braces happy.
Contact Your Halls & Fountain City, TN Orthodontist
Have more questions about taking proper care of your braces this holiday season? We're always here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at our contact page or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at our Fountain City or Halls, TN office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to seeing you back at this blog for more tips and info on keeping your teeth healthy and happy!