St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture, enjoy festive foods and drinks, and have fun with friends and family. If you have braces, you may be wondering how to celebrate while also taking care of your orthodontic treatment. At Crane & Seager Orthodontics, we want to make sure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful, even on St. Patrick’s Day. 

Choose Orthodontic-Friendly Foods and Drinks 

St. Patrick’s Day is known for its delicious and indulgent foods and drinks, but many of these treats can be harmful to your braces. To avoid damaging your braces, opt for orthodontic-friendly foods and drinks, such as: 

• Green fruits and vegetables, like green apples, kiwis, and green beans 
• Irish-themed treats that are soft and easy to chew, like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and soda bread 
• Non-alcoholic drinks, like water, green tea, or lemon-lime soda 

Be Careful with Hard and Sticky Treats 

While you may be tempted to enjoy hard and sticky treats like candy, gum, and cookies, it’s important to avoid these foods while you have braces. Not only can they damage your braces, but they can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. If you must indulge, be sure to brush your teeth and floss immediately afterwards to remove any food particles from your braces. 

  

Wear Your Orthodontic Retainer 

Wearing your orthodontic retainer is an important part of maintaining your orthodontic treatment and keeping your teeth straight and healthy. Even on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s important to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. If you’re unsure about when to wear your retainer or if you need help cleaning it, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist for advice. 

  

Celebrate Responsibly 

While St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate, it’s also important to celebrate responsibly. This means avoiding alcohol, smoking, and other activities that can harm your health and your orthodontic treatment. If you do drink, be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid drinks that are high in sugar and acid, like soda and fruit juice. 

  

Conclusion 

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to have fun and celebrate, and with the right orthodontic care, you can enjoy the festivities while also taking care of your smile. By choosing orthodontic-friendly foods and drinks, being careful with hard and sticky treats, wearing your orthodontic retainer, and celebrating responsibly, you can ensure that your orthodontic treatment stays on track and your smile stays healthy and beautiful. Whether you’re wearing green, cooking up Irish-themed treats, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, make sure to have a happy and healthy St. Patrick’s Day at Crane & Seager Orthodontics.