Braces-Friendly Holiday Recipes | Fishinger Dental in Hilliard

Holiday Joy, Zero Worry: Braces-Friendly Dishes Your Whole Family Will Love

The holiday season in Hilliard is a time for festive gatherings, family traditions, and delicious treats. But if you or your child has braces, navigating a table full of sticky toffees, crunchy candies, and chewy caramel can feel more stressful than joyful. At Fishinger Dental, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy the flavors of the season without worry.

That’s why our team, led by Dr. Nathan Desai, your dentist in Hilliard, OH, has put together a few of our favorite braces-friendly holiday recipes—so you can celebrate comfortably and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.

From our dental family in Old Hilliard to yours, happy holidays!

A Quick, Reassuring Tip on Why These Recipes Matter

We know the rules: avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods that can bend wires or pop a bracket. But during the holidays, it’s easy to get tempted. Choosing softer, creative alternatives doesn’t mean missing out on fun—it means discovering delicious new favorites that keep your smile safe.

Plus, if a holiday treat does cause a minor orthodontic issue, don’t panic! Give our Hilliard dental office a call at (614) 771-6060 for advice, and remember, we’re always here to help our patients in Hilliard, Columbus, Dublin, and beyond.

Now, let’s get to the festive fun!

The Recipes: Festive, Fun, and Safe for Braces

1. Frosty’s Peppermint Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

Why it’s braces-friendly: This is the ultimate no-chew, deliciously cool treat. The temperature can be soothing for teeth after a recent adjustment, and it’s packed with protein to keep energy high during busy holiday days.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk (or your choice of milk)
1 handful of fresh spinach (trust us, you won’t taste it!)
1 frozen banana (sliced before freezing)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or coconut yogurt (“snow”), a sprinkle of mini marshmallows and soft chocolate chips (“ornaments”), and a light drizzle of honey (optional).

Instructions:

Blend the milk, spinach, banana, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour into a bowl and let your creativity shine! Decorate with your “snow” and “ornaments.”

Enjoy immediately! This is a great go-to post-appointment treat for you and your family here in Hilliard.

2. Cozy Mashed Potato Snow Drifts

Why it’s braces-friendly: The ultimate soft comfort food. This holiday staple is a guaranteed safe and satisfying side dish for any braces-wearer.

Ingredients:

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup warm milk or heavy cream
4 tbsp butter (room temperature)
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix-in ideas: Roasted garlic cloves (softened), finely chopped chives, or a swirl of soft goat cheese.

Instructions:

Boil potatoes until very tender. Drain well.
Return to the pot and mash until smooth. Gradually stir in warm milk and butter until creamy. Fold in your chosen mix-ins.
For a festive presentation, use an ice cream scoop to create perfect “snow drifts” on each plate. Drizzle with warm, smooth gravy (make sure it has no chunks!) over the top.

Perfect for fueling up after a chilly day exploring Columbus!

3. Soft-Baked Gingerbread People

Why it’s braces-friendly: The key is in the soft bake. We avoid crunchy ginger snaps in favor of a chewy, cake-like cookie that’s gentle on brackets.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
Icing: Royal icing or cream cheese frosting (in piping bags)

Instructions:

Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices). In another bowl, beat butter and sugar, then add egg and molasses.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a dough forms. Chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll the dough and cut into shapes. Bake for only 7-8 minutes—this keeps them soft. Let cool.
The Fun Part: Decorate with your frosting! Pro-tip from our team: Use the frosting to give your gingerbread person a big, happy “brace face” smile! Make it a family activity in your Hilliard kitchen.

4. A Special Holiday “Sip”: Soothing Cinnamon-Apple “Cider” Tea

Why it’s braces-friendly: A warm, soothing, and low-sugar alternative to sticky sodas or hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows.

Ingredients (per mug):

1 cup warm, high-quality apple juice or sugar-free apple cider
1 cinnamon stick or 1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 bag of caffeine-free herbal tea (chamomile or cinnamon spice works perfectly)
1-2 tsp of honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

Warm the apple juice until just steaming (not boiling).
Pour over the tea bag and cinnamon stick in a mug.
Let steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and enjoy the cozy, aromatic sip.

Your braces (and our dental team at Fishinger Dental) will thank you for choosing a smile-friendly beverage!

Share Your Holiday Spirit with Us!

We hope these ideas help make your holidays in Hilliard, Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, and Westerville a little brighter, tastier, and more comfortable. We’d love to see your culinary creations!

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own smile journey—or a loved one’s—what better gift to give for the new year? Schedule a free, no-obligation orthodontic consultation with Dr. Nathan Desai, your top-rated dentist in Hilliard, at (614) 771-6060. We’ll discuss all the options, from traditional braces to clear aligners, tailored to your lifestyle.

Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and delicious holiday season!

– From Your Hilliard Dentist and The Caring Team at Fishinger Dental