Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid When You Have Braces

If this is your first Thanksgiving with braces, you may find yourself wondering what foods you can and can’t have this holiday season. While most traditional Thanksgiving foods are orthodontist-approved, there are still some foods you should avoid.

Foods to Avoid:

Unfortunately, with braces, there are a few food restrictions when it comes to holiday indulgences. Be sure to avoid sticky and crunchy foods that can get stuck in your braces and pop your brackets off. Avoid the following foods this Thanksgiving:

• Popcorn

• Nuts—Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, etc.

• Caramel

• Caramel apples

• Crunchy and raw vegetables

• Corn on the cob

• Eating meats from the bone

Foods You Can Eat:

Now onto the good stuff—the foods you can have. Fortunately, most Thanksgiving foods and treats are bracket-friendly. Remember to choose foods that are easy to chew and to cut your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Here is a list of festive foods that are orthodontist-approved:

• Turkey

• Ham

• Roast beef

• Corn (off the cob)

• Stuffing

• Dinner rolls

• Sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes

• Cooked vegetables

• Leafy greens

• Applesauce

• Soups

• Casseroles

• Pies

• Cakes

• Puddings