Delicious, Orthodontic-Friendly Recipes from Renowned Chef John Besh

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World-renowned chef John Besh is joining forces with the American Association of Orthodontists in October to remind kids and adults alike that that although certain foods are a 'no-no' during America's busiest candy and treat consuming month, there are delicious alternatives.  As a special service to those wearing braces or who are having other types of orthodontic treatments, and to help promote awareness of National Orthodontic Health Month in October, Chef Besh is offering tasty, easy-to-prepare, orthodontic-friendly recipes.

The list of foods to avoid includes caramels, nuts, taffy, lollipops, taco chips, popcorn, corn on the cob, whole apples and more.  Why?  Because consuming these kinds of hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods endanger braces and other orthodontic devices that are designed to move teeth and align jaws.  A broken device could mean teeth stop moving, or a tooth is moved in the wrong direction.  Either could require and unplanned trip to the orthodontist for repairs, and could lead to a longer time in treatment.

"With four boys of my own I totally understand the need for healthy, delicious meals that can be enjoyed by the entire family," says Besh.  "The recipes we selected will be a hit with everyone at the dinner table, and we made sure they are safe for folks in orthodontic treatment."

Click here for recipes for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, Yogurt Fruit Pops and Drew's Cake or visit http://www.mylifemysmile.org/pressroom

"Our goal is to help each patient successfully achieve their goal of a healthy, beautiful smile," says Robert E. Varner, DMD, president of the AAO.  "Eating the right kinds of foods will help patients reach that objective.  These tasty recipes from Chef Besh are just what the orthodontist ordered," jokes Dr. Varner.

About the American Association of Orthodontists
Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization.  It represents 17,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.  The AAO encourages and sponsors key research to enable its members to provide the highest quality of care to patients, and is committed to educating the public about the need for, and benefits of, orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities in patients of all ages to correctly align teeth and jaws.  Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education in orthodontics beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program.  Visit the AAO's website, mylifemysmile.org, for information about orthodontists, orthodontic care and to locate nearby AAO-member orthodontists.

About Chef John Besh
John Besh is a chef and a Louisiana native son dedicated to the culinary riches of southern Louisiana. In his restaurants, entrepreneurial pursuits, and public activities, he preserves and promotes ingredients, techniques, and heritage one mouth-watering dish at a time.

Besh grew up in southern Louisiana and has set the benchmark for fine dining in New Orleans – a town whose identity is bound to its food. His eight acclaimed restaurants (August,Besh Steak,Lüke,Lüke San Antonio,La Provence, Domenica, Pizza Domenica and Borgne celebrate the bounty and traditions of the region.

Besh has authored three cookbooks: My New Orleans in October 2009, My Family Table in November 2011, and Cooking from the Heart, November 2013 (Andrews McMeel Publishing). The books were recognized by John's peers and the culinary industry by being awarded the prestigious IACP Award in the American category (2010, My New Orleans) and the Children, Youth and Family category (2012, My Family Table), with a nomination in 2014 for Cooking from the Heart.

He is the host of two national public television cooking shows, based on his award-winning cookbooks: "Chef John Besh's New Orleans," and "Chef John Besh's Family Table."

SOURCE American Association of Orthodontists