As Thanksgiving approaches, the air is often filled with warmth and anticipation. It’s that time of year when families gather around the table to give thanks and savor a delicious feast. But navigating the holiday menu can be tricky for those with braces. Traditional favorites like hard candy, sticky treats, and crunchy snacks are on the no-go list. 

But don’t let this deter you. The team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry, your dental office in Vancouver, Washington, is here to guide you through a braces-friendly Thanksgiving so you can still relish the flavors of the season without any orthodontic worries.

Why the need to avoid certain foods for kids with braces?

People with braces must steer clear of foods like hard candy, sticky treats, and crunchy snacks for a good reason. These orthodontic appliances are delicate, and indulging in the wrong foods can spell trouble. Here’s why:

• Damage to wires and bands: Chomping down on hard candy or crunchy nuts can exert excessive pressure on your braces, causing wires and bands to bend or break.
• Bracket separation: Sticky candy like jelly beans or taffy can cling to your brackets, potentially leading to bracket separation from your teeth.

What braces-friendly foods can you enjoy?

Thanksgiving may seem challenging for those with braces, but there’s a bountiful array of braces-friendly food options that are both tasty and gentle on your orthodontic gear. Here’s a mouthwatering list:

• Dairy products: Yogurt, milk, and cheese are calcium-rich delights that pose no harm to your braces.
• Breads and grains: Enjoy oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, nut-free muffins, pasta, and cooked rice with ease.
• Meats and proteins: Savor shredded chicken, turkey, meatloaf, meatballs, deli meat, fish, and eggs as protein-packed choices.
• Fruits and vegetables: Bananas, applesauce, grapes, watermelon, mashed potatoes, cooked beans, and steamed veggies provide essential nutrients.
• Sweets: Treat yourself to pudding, soft cookies, soft chocolates, Jell-O, ice cream, milkshakes, and soft cakes or cupcakes without nuts.

So, if you read the list the way we did, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy during the Thanksgiving feast!

The benefits of braces-friendly side dishes for Thanksgiving.

When the aroma of Thanksgiving delights fills the air, those with braces may worry about missing out on their favorite dishes. But embracing braces-friendly side dishes not only protects your orthodontic gear but also brings many advantages to your holiday feast.

• Orthodontic safety: These dishes protect your braces from damage, ensuring a smooth and worry-free holiday.
• Comfortable feasting: You can fully savor your Thanksgiving meal without the fear of discomfort or damage.
• Nutrient-rich options: Many braces-friendly foods are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, promoting oral health.
• Inclusivity: These dishes make it easier for everyone, with or without braces, to enjoy the holiday feast together.

This Thanksgiving, embrace side dishes that are braces friendly and relish the season’s flavors without compromising your orthodontic treatment.

5 delicious braces-friendly side dishes for Thanksgiving. 

As we embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re excited to share with you five delectable recipes that are gentle on your braces. These dishes not only make your holiday meal a breeze but also keep your orthodontic treatment on track. We can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures during your next dental appointment.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes 

Potatoes had yet to grace the first Thanksgiving table in Plymouth, but fast forward a few centuries, and they’ve become a beloved part of our holiday feasts. Creamy Mashed Potatoes, in particular, have a special place in our hearts—and our braces. Rich in vitamins and fiber, these spuds are a braces-friendly treat that even the Pilgrims would approve of. 

They’re soft, easy to chew, and packed with nutrients, making them an ideal choice for kids with braces. So, load up your plate with this classic Thanksgiving side dish and savor the flavor while taking care of your orthodontic needs.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

We all remember our childhood struggles with Brussels sprouts, but times have changed, and so have these little green gems. Chefs have transformed Roasted Brussels Sprouts into a mouthwatering delight, making kids ask for seconds. 

They are delicious and incredibly nutrient-dense, boasting high levels of vitamins C and K, fiber, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin A—all in a low-calorie, nearly fat-free package. A perfect addition to your braces friendly Thanksgiving feast!

3. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash, with its sweet and nutty profile, is a culinary gem that elevates various dishes. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that is bursting with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. butternut squash soup, with its velvety texture and warm flavors, has become the ideal Thanksgiving starter, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of this autumn favorite.

4. Cranberry Orange Salad 

Who can resist the vibrant charm of a cranberry-orange salad gracing the Thanksgiving table? Bursting with flavor and color, it’s a festive favorite. Cranberries offer antioxidants and vitamin C, while oranges bring their citrusy goodness. This salad’s popularity at Thanksgiving is no surprise—it’s a zesty, healthy delight for the holiday spread.

5. Green Beans Almondine (No Almonds)

This green beans almondine recipe is a versatile gem that can be easily modified to suit everyone’s taste. For those avoiding almonds, simply omit them. Thanksgiving hosts can effortlessly create two dishes from one, catering to all preferences. Green beans, rich in fiber and vitamins, provide a nutritious and crunchy addition to the holiday spread.

Tips for enjoying braces-friendly side dishes. 

When indulging in braces-friendly side dishes this Thanksgiving, here are some helpful tips to remember. First, consider cutting your food into smaller, manageable pieces to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your braces. Remember that oral hygiene routines should not be skipped, even during holiday celebrations. Brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining the health of your teeth and braces.

As you prepare for a braces-friendly Thanksgiving feast, we hope these delightful dishes add flavor and comfort to your celebration. Remember to care for your braces by following our tips, ensuring a worry-free holiday. And don’t forget to schedule your child’s next dental cleaning with our dental office near Vancouver, Washington, to keep those braces for kids in top-notch condition. Happy Thanksgiving!