Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we know many of our patients are getting excited for some well-deserved time spent relaxing, enjoying the company of family and friends, and - of course - digging into some truly delicious food! But while you may be salivating at the thought of a Thanksgiving feast, your braces don't share in the excitement - for them, Thanksgiving dinner is a veritable minefield. The sugary, chewy, crunchy foods that we love during the holidays can cause serious damage to braces. That’s why for this blog, we'll detail a couple of our favorite braces-friendly recipes that you can enjoy this Thanksgiving without fear!
Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
This is a simple side dish that's the perfect accompaniment for any holiday meal. To start, you'll need about 5 pounds of russet potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and 1/4 cup of butter. Peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes about an inch to a side, then combine all three ingredients in your crock-pot. Cook it on high for 4 and a half hours, then roughly mash the potatoes until they're an even texture. Season to taste with minced garlic, salt and pepper, and cream cheese, and you've got a braces-friendly side dish that's sure to please!
Microwave Baked Apples
While they're loaded with sugar, this decadent dessert is fine for braces so long as you brush and floss thoroughly after eating. You'll need one large apple, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, 1/4 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 tablespoon of cornstarch to start. It couldn't be easier to make - just peel and slice the apple, throw all ingredients into a Ziploc bag, seal, and microwave for two minutes. Viola - a delicious, braces-friendly dessert!
Contact Your Waterford Lakes Orthodontist
Have more questions about taking care of your teeth this holiday season? We're here to help! Feel free to reach out to us at our contact page or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at our Orlando, FL office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we hope to see you back at this blog periodically for more tips and info on taking care of teeth and braces.