The holidays in Rehoboth Beach come alive with the smell of sugar cookies, peppermint cocoa, and cinnamon drifting through the air. For anyone wearing braces, this time of year can still be full of flavor and fun. Dr. Johnson and the team at Johnson Orthodontics help patients enjoy every bite of the season with braces-safe treats that taste just as festive. Let’s start with a few classic desserts that keep the sweetness of the holidays without any of the worry.
Sweet Traditions Made Braces-Safe
Every family has a dessert that defines the holidays. From the first batch of cookies to the final slice of pie, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge without harming your braces. Dr. Johnson often reminds patients that the secret is texture: soft, chewy, and gentle on brackets. Crunchy nuts, sticky toffees, and hard candies can take a back seat this year in favor of treats that are just as satisfying.
A few braces-friendly favorites include:
- Soft sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting
- Pumpkin pie with whipped topping
- Warm bread pudding made with cinnamon and vanilla
- Baked apples or pears drizzled with caramel sauce
Each one captures the cozy sweetness of the season without the risk of a broken bracket. Next, let’s look at savory holiday dishes that are just as braces-safe and full of flavor.
Savory Holiday Favorites That Work With Braces
The holidays go beyond sweets; they’re also about comforting meals shared around the table. Luckily, most traditional dishes can be enjoyed without worry. Dr. Johnson and the team at Johnson Orthodontics recommend focusing on softer textures that are gentle on braces but still full of flavor. Think creamy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth rather than crunchy or chewy.
Here are some braces-friendly favorites to fill your holiday plate:
- Mashed potatoes topped with a drizzle of gravy
- Mac and cheese with soft noodles and smooth sauce
- Stuffing made with moist bread cubes and herbs
- Tender turkey or ham sliced thin for easy chewing
- Green bean casserole with soft vegetables and a light topping
Savory foods like these make holiday dinners comforting and braces-safe. Coming up, let’s get creative with a few simple recipes you can make at home this season.
Easy Braces-Friendly Holiday Recipes
The best part of the holidays is spending time in the kitchen, especially when the recipes are simple enough for everyone to enjoy. These treats are soft, flavorful, and safe for braces. No sticky candies or hard textures, just cozy comfort in every bite!
Cinnamon Baked Apples
Ingredients: 4 apples, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and honey to taste.
Instructions: Core the apples, fill each center with the butter mixture, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until tender. Serve warm with a spoonful of whipped topping.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients: 2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon crushed peppermint, whipped cream.
Instructions: Heat milk, whisk in cocoa and sugar, then stir in peppermint until melted. Top with whipped cream and enjoy by the fire.
Soft Sugar Cookie Snowflakes
Ingredients: 2½ cups flour, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and cream cheese frosting.
Instructions: Mix, roll, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Once cooled, decorate with frosting or colored sugar.
Simple, soft, and festive, these recipes make it easy to celebrate the season without missing out. Next, let’s look at a few ways to keep braces clean and comfortable throughout the holidays.

Keeping Braces in Top Shape During the Holidays
Between parties, travel, and plates full of seasonal favorites, it’s easy to forget about orthodontic routines during the holidays. Fortunately, a few small habits can keep braces clean and treatment on track while still enjoying every celebration.
Here are some simple ways to care for braces this season:
- Brush after every meal when possible, or rinse with water if you’re on the go.
- Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to reach around brackets and wires.
- Carry orthodontic wax in case a wire feels out of place.
- Cut food into smaller bites to make eating easier and reduce pressure on brackets.
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and sugar.
These habits help keep braces fresh and trouble-free throughout the busy season. Next, we’ll look at how Johnson Orthodontics can make every holiday smile a little brighter.
How Johnson Orthodontics Makes Holiday Smiles Brighter
Between winter events, twinkling lights, and the buzz of family traditions, December in Sussex County never slows down. That’s why Dr. Johnson and the team at Johnson Orthodontics keep orthodontic care simple, flexible, and friendly during the holiday rush.
Appointments are carefully timed, so patients can stop in for a quick visit without missing a single get-together. The office runs smoothly, blending efficiency with the personal warmth that makes every check-in feel more like catching up with neighbors than a routine appointment.
Dr. Johnson meets personally with patients at every visit, offering the consistency and care that make treatment feel effortless. Paired with flexible scheduling and a welcoming team, it’s easy to see why families across Rehoboth Beach trust Johnson Orthodontics to keep their smiles bright all season long.
Next, we’ll close out with how confident, braces-friendly smiles can make the holidays even brighter for families across Sussex County.
Smiles That Shine All Season
Holiday cheer is contagious, and nothing spreads it faster than a confident smile. From school concerts to neighborhood gatherings, every laugh and photo becomes part of the season’s story. Dr. Johnson and his team love seeing their patients enjoy the holidays without worry, knowing their braces are cared for, and their treatment is moving forward.
The combination of braces-safe treats, simple routines, and genuine support makes it easy to celebrate with confidence. With every visit to Johnson Orthodontics, that sense of joy grows stronger, showing how easily orthodontic care fits into the happiest time of year!

The Sweetest Gift of All
The holidays are best spent sharing smiles that feel effortless and full of joy. Dr. Johnson and the team at Johnson Orthodontics love helping families across Rehoboth Beach enjoy every celebration with confidence. From soft holiday treats to easy care routines, your braces can fit right in with the season’s sparkle. Schedule your free consultation and start the new year with a smile that’s ready for every celebration ahead!
