Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? That’s right - an entire month dedicated to cold, creamy, tasty happiness. And if you have braces or aligners, we have even sweeter news: ice cream is one of the most braces-approved treats out there!

That’s right - while sticky candy and crunchy snacks are on the no-no list, many types of ice cream are a delicious, orthodontist-approved way to cool down and keep your smile cool all summer long!

Here are our tips to celebrate Ice Cream Month the smart (and smile-safe) way:

1. Soft-Serve: Yes, Crunchy Cones: No

When it comes to braces, texture matters. Skip the hard waffle cones or ice cream bars dipped in chocolate shell.

GO FOR:

• Soft serve in a cup
• Milkshakes or floats
• Ice cream sandwiches (the soft kind!)
• Frozen yogurt with gentle toppings like bananas or marshmallows

SKIP:

• Nuts, sprinkles, or candy mix-ins
• Chocolate-dipped cones
• Biting straight into anything frozen solid

2. Ice Cream = Pain Relief (Seriously!)

Just had your wires tightened? New aligner tray feeling a little tight? Cold foods like ice cream, yogurts and smoothies are actually a gentle way to soothe soreness. The chill helps reduce inflammation and numbs tender spots without meds.

BONUS: Cold treats can motivate kids to power through that first day of new elastics or a bracket adjustment. Now that is a sweet reward!

3. Host a DIY Braces-Friendly Ice Cream Party!

Throw an ice cream social - braces edition - for all of your friends! Here’s how:

Create a “soft toppings” bar:

• Mashed strawberries
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed graham crackers
• Gummy bears (in moderation + let them melt a little!)

Offer options:

• Frozen yogurt
• Dairy-free or lactose-free options
• Fruit-based sorbet (chunk-free, please!)

4. Don’t Let the Sugar Stick Around

We love ice cream - but your brackets, bands, and aligners? Not so much if sugar is hanging around. Always:

• Rinse with water after you indulge
• Rinse with fluoridated mouth rinse
• Brush within 30 minutes (or ASAP)
• Floss to make sure no toppings sneak into your wires (and use a waterpik)

5. Smile Bright All Month Long

We are not saying ice cream is a health food… but in moderation, it’s a braces-friendly way to stay cool and celebrate your smile progress this summer! We believe ice cream can be a great treat if consumed in moderation as long as your oral hygiene routine is top notch!

Here’s to cold spoons, big grins, and the coolest orthodontic summer ever! Happy Ice Cream Month from all of us at Orchard of Smiles Orthodontics!