Thanksgiving is just around the corner—a time filled with family, gratitude, and indulgent feasts! While the holiday season brings all the warmth and excitement, it can also bring challenges for anyone wearing braces or clear aligners. Do not let holiday meals and travel throw your orthodontic treatment off course. Here is an easy guide to keep your smile safe, with a fun Thanksgiving trivia treat at the end!
Protecting Braces During Holiday Meals
Thanksgiving treats—like caramel, nuts, and crunchy snacks—can spell trouble for braces. But do not worry; avoid these foods to keep your smile in great shape! If you encounter an issue, here is what to do:
- Loose Bracket
If a bracket comes loose, use tweezers to gently reposition it along the wire and cover it with wax for comfort. Be sure to schedule a repair after the holiday. - Broken or Protruding Wire
For a wire poking out, carefully trim it with sanitized nail clippers and cover any sharp edges with wax. This will keep things comfortable until your next appointment. - Bent Wire
Sometimes holiday bites like crusty bread or tough turkey can bend a wire. If you notice a shift, call us to help you get back on track.
Braces Hygiene Tips During the Holidays
Keeping braces clean during the festive season can be tricky, especially with all the holiday treats! Here are a few tips to keep your braces—and your smile—in top shape:
- Brush After Every Meal: Aim to brush after eating holiday meals to prevent food from getting stuck in your brackets. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around the brackets and wires thoroughly.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is essential for getting rid of debris between teeth. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to make it easier to reach under the wires.
- Rinse with Water or Mouthwash: If brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any lingering food. This keeps bacteria at bay and helps maintain fresh breath throughout the holiday season!
Clear Aligner Care: Avoid Misplacement or Damage
Clear aligners might not break, but one can lose or damaged during the holiday hustle. Here are quick tips to keep them safe:
Safe Storage During Meals
With all the holiday excitement, it is easy to forget where you left your aligners. Always keep your case handy and use it whenever you remove your aligners to prevent loss or accidental damage.
Avoid Heat Damage
With cozy indoor heating and bustling holiday kitchens, keep aligners away from heat sources. Warped aligners will not fit correctly, so store them safely in their case when they’re not in use.
Clear Aligner Hygiene Tips During the Holidays
Aligners make it easier to enjoy holiday feasts, but keeping them clean is still essential to prevent staining and odor. Here is how:
- Clean Your Aligners Twice Daily: Gently brush your aligners in the morning and evening using a soft brush. Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch or discolor the material.
- Rinse Aligners Before Reinserting: After enjoying holiday foods, rinse your aligners under cold water before putting them back in to keep them fresh and avoid trapping food particles.
- Avoid Sugary and Colored Drinks: Hot cocoa or cranberry juice can stain your aligners. Stick to water when your aligners are in to keep them clear and odor-free.
Soothe Soreness for Braces & Aligners
Whether you are wearing braces or switching to a new set of aligners, a little soreness is common. Try these tips for relief:
- For braces: Apply orthodontic wax to any areas causing irritation, and rinse with salt water to ease soreness and keep your mouth clean.
- For aligners: Choose soft holiday foods like mashed potatoes and stuffing to avoid extra pressure on sensitive teeth. Cold water rinses can also help soothe discomfort.
Plan Ahead & Contact McDonough Orthodontics for Assistance
Planning for your orthodontic needs ensures a smooth and festive holiday season. If any issues arise, contact McDonough Orthodontics for quick support. We are here to keep your smile merry and bright throughout Thanksgiving and beyond!
Thanksgiving Trivia!
Did you know the first-ever Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, held in 1924, featured real animals from the Central Park Zoo instead of the famous balloons we see today? Talk about a wild celebration!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at McDonough Orthodontics!