Healthy After School Snack Ideas for Patients with Braces

Fruit:
Make it easy to grab and go, cut, chop or slice fresh fruit to prevent loosening any of the braces. Store them in the refrigerator in easily accessible containers; store grapes in a large, open bowl in the fridge; or store in a bowl on the counter.

Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa:
Consider serving low-fat refried or whole beans in addition to salsa. If you have time, make nachos by adding extras like melted reduced-fat cheese, diced tomatoes, green peppers, onion, low-fat sour cream, and guacamole.

Unsweetened Whole Grain Cereal and Low-Fat Milk:
Top with fresh fruit like blueberries, sliced bananas, or strawberries. Add dried fruit like cranberries.

Reduced-Fat or Light String Cheese:
This is a good source of protein and calcium, and a great accompaniment to any snack. Try serving with fruit, vegetables or whole grain crackers.

Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie:
You have many options, so be creative! Use low-fat vanilla or fruit flavored yogurt or frozen yogurt as the base. Blend in fresh or unsweetened frozen fruit. Throw in ice cubes, if needed, to reach the desired consistency. Remember not to chew on the ice cubes!! If this is too tempting, avoid adding them! You can add a splash of low-fat milk or 100% fruit juice, depending upon the desired flavor and consistency.

ENJOY YOUR AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS AND LET’S BE HEALTHY!!!

THE MAGIC AGE – “7”

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be seen by an orthodontic specialist at age 7 (seven). That sounds very young but that is when the front teeth start to erupt and they may be crowded or erupt poorly.

Braces at that age are usually not needed unless the teeth erupt into a cross-bite or are extremely misaligned or don’t erupt at all. However, sometimes the orthodontist needs to have some baby teeth removed to ensure proper eruption of all front permanent teeth. The straighter they come in, the straighter they will stay in the future so if you have a child who is 7 (or over), make sure they see a Board eligible or Board Certified orthodontic specialist for an examination. We will welcome your call and your initial visit.

BRACES –SAFE HALLOWEEN TREATS

Smart snacking tips for adults and children with braces)
By the American Association of Orthodontists

What can I have that’s fun to eat for Halloween?
Orthodontists say it’s the perennial question from adults and children wearing braces.

Those who wear braces should avoid the following foods, whether consumed on their own or as recipe ingredients.

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Tortilla chips
• Hard candy
• Jellybeans
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Caramel and other chewy candies

However, especially because October is National Orthodontic Health Month, orthodontists want to help their patients enjoy the season.

“A little awareness and creativity in the kitchen can produce big smiles from trick-or-treaters with braces.”

Braces-Friendly October Recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Using cocoa powder instead of melted baking chocolate is one of the secrets to baking soft cookies (another is using shortening instead of margarine or butter). If you’re looking for a change from brownies, this is a great melt-in-your-mouth alternative. In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla, using an electric mixer and beating until smooth. Add eggs and mix until blended. Mix flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder slowly into shortening mixture, using low then medium speed.

Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees, makes about three dozen. Store cookies in a covered container to keep soft.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

For those who don't know, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Drs. Bernard & Eimer and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Drs. Bernard & Eimer and other dental professional.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!