The holidays are a fun time for kids everywhere. Young children and teens enjoy the merriment, the gifts, decorations, visiting family and having lots of good holiday treats. However, if you are a parent of a child with braces you may think that your kid will not be able to enjoy holiday treats and goodies. But that’s simply not true!
Children With Braces Can Enjoy Holiday Sweets, Too!
Just beware of any hard or extra crunchy desserts — and make sure they aren’t going overboard with how much they are eating! Also, you should make sure that they brush their teeth, floss and rinse their mouth out with an antibacterial mouthwash after dinner and dessert. This will remove germs and microorganisms from a person’s mouth. It will also cause plaque reduction and stop gum disease.
Treats to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Kids with braces should avoid eating certain treats during the holidays, including:
• Pretzels
• Gummy Bears
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Candy
• Licorice
These food items are hard to clean out of braces and they can also damage their teeth or cause their brace equipment to become loose in their mouth, causing them to become less effective.
Holiday Treats that are Good for Kids with Braces
Just because a child has braces, that doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy certain types of sweets. There is no harm in your children eating cookies, cake, and cupcakes during the holidays. They can also enjoy crackers and cheese, soft fruits, baked fruits, yogurts, and ice cream.