Holiday Foods to Avoid With Braces

Holiday Foods to Avoid With Braces

The holiday season is here – full of festive cheer, cozy gatherings, and all the delicious treats you could dream of. 

But if you or your child wears braces, indulging in certain holiday goodies can pose risks to orthodontic treatment. Knowing which foods to avoid – and which are safe – will help you enjoy the season while keeping your braces intact.

Why Some Holiday Foods Are Risky for Braces

Braces work hard to straighten your teeth, using brackets, wires, and bands. While they’re strong, certain foods can cause damage — broken brackets, bent wires, or longer treatment times. Sticky, hard, or super sugary treats are usually the biggest culprits.

Christmas Treats to Avoid

  1. Sticky Sweets

Sticky candies can cling to braces, making them hard to clean and increasing the risk of damage:

  • Caramel: Found in holiday candies and popcorn, sticks to brackets and wires.
  • Toffee & Taffy: Chewy candies can loosen brackets or bend wires.
  1. Hard Candies & Nuts

Biting into hard treats can break braces components:

  • Candy Canes: Iconic but hard and risky.
  • Brittle (Peanut/Almond): Hard snacks that can snap brackets.
  • Whole Nuts: Nutritious but risky for braces.
  1. Chewy Desserts

Gummies and chewy candies can wrap around braces, leaving sticky residue:

  • Gummy Bears
  • Licorice
  1. Crunchy Snacks

Crunchy foods are holiday staples but can damage braces:

  • Popcorn: Kernels can lodge in brackets or wires.
  • Chips & Pretzels: Can snap wires or get stuck under braces.
  1. Sugary Delights

Sugar increases the risk of cavities, especially around braces:

  • Candy-Coated Chocolates
  • Fudge

What can I eat with braces?

You don’t have to miss out on all holiday treats. These braces-safe options are gentle and delicious:

  1. Soft Baked Goods
  • Sugar Cookies: Soft and festive.
  • Brownies: Stick to nut-free and caramel-free versions.
  • Muffins: Holiday-themed and easy to chew.
  1. Pudding & Custards

Smooth, creamy desserts that won’t damage braces.

  1. Soft Fruits
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Berries (not blackberries so let’s put strawberries, blueberries, pineapples and kiwis 
  1. Cakes (in general they are pretty soft)

Avoid any hard crust, toppings and enjoy this rich, braces-safe dessert.

What to Do if Braces Get Damaged

Accidents can happen, even with precautions:

  • Schedule an orthodontic appointment for the soonest appointment available. 
  • Cut the wire: Try to cut the long, poking wire with a brand new nail clipper or cutter. 
  • Use Orthodontic Wax: Temporarily cover sharp edges.
  • Stick to Soft Foods: Until your braces are fixed.

Keep Your Smile Perfect: Don’t Forget Your Retainers

Once your braces come off, the journey isn’t over – keeping your beautiful smile requires proper retainer use. Wearing your retainer ensures your teeth stay aligned and prevents any shifting after months of treatment.

Tips for Retainer Care:

  • Always wear it as directed — typically every night and day at first. Only at night if braces were removed more than a month ago. 
  • Clean your retainer daily with a soft brush.
  • Store it safely in its case when not in use to avoid damage.

Consult With an Orthodontist

If you need help with a post-braces retainer or want personalized orthodontic guidance, I’m here to help. As an experienced orthodontist, I will guide you through every step to keep your smile healthy, aligned, and holiday-ready.

Book your consultation