Aligning crooked or crowded teeth doesn’t only result in an attractive smile, correcting a “bad bite,” also results in a healthier mouth. In honor of October’s National Orthodontic Health Month, we are sharing four tips to help protect your braces and your smile while enjoying the upcoming holidays.

#1- To protect braces, with their brackets, orthodontic bands, and arch wires, please avoid candy or snacks which are hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy such as caramel or bubblegum. Never chew ice, and watch out for popcorn, nuts, candies with nuts inside, and peanut candies in the hard-shell.

#2- If you are indulging in extra sugary treats due to the holiday, beat cavities by stepping up your brushing and flossing game. Brush carefully around all of your brackets and wires, focusing on places where your teeth meet your gums and where your braces attach to your teeth.

#3- To protect your braces, stick with soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups and other treats that melt in your mouth and can easily be washed away.

#4- For our patients wearing braces who also engage in sports, wearing mouth guards will protect your lips and your cheeks from cuts or damaged braces should you accidentally get hit in the face or fall down.

At Rivera Orthodontics in El Paso, Texas, we offer a variety of braces for our patients of all ages seeking an aligned smile. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 915-592-5853 today. Dr. Jaime Rivera along with the rest of our dedicated team, are excited to help you enjoy the holiday celebrations while maintaining your healthy smile!

The post Don’t Let the Holidays Dampen Your Healthy Smile Care first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.