Braces are a great way to straighten teeth and improve overall oral health. Misaligned teeth can create crevices for bacteria to grow and create tooth decay. If the jaw is not aligned properly, it could cause discomfort and pain. Braces improve the ease of speaking and chewing, and straighter teeth can boost self-confidence.
Your teeth require higher maintenance when they have braces because the wires and metal brackets create spaces for plaque to attach itself and eat through tooth enamel. Limiting sugar in foods and drinks will lead to an overall cleaner mouth. When the bacteria that live in plaque comes into contact with sugar, it creates an acid that eats through the enamel and can cause tooth decay. Consuming less sugar and properly cleaning your braces will let you straighten your teeth safely and without cavities.
Avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy. This is especially important when you first get your braces on, but avoiding these foods throughout your treatment will keep brackets intact. When possible avoid foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy, or biting into ice. Try not to bite into hard foods with your front teeth. Instead, cut them into smaller pieces or replace them with softer foods. Foods such as yogurt, bananas, cheese and pasta are safer to eat than harder foods. When looking for something to eat that won’t break your brackets, remember to keep a healthy diet.
Drinks to Avoid With Braces
Sugary beverages such as soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks can damage tooth enamel and create cavities. Excessive soda consumption is not only bad for your health—it is linked to weight gain and diabetes. Instead of recommending cutting sugary beverages out of your diet completely, we recommend limiting consumption and rinsing your teeth with a fluoride mouthwash. Keeping your braces clean will help your preserve your oral health and streamline your orthopedic treatment.
How to Clean Your Braces
Cleaning your braces is similar to cleaning your teeth, and using fluoride products will preserve enamel and prevent cavities. Because metal brackets provide more places for plaque to collect, thoroughly brushing and flossing daily is essential. Brushing three times a day, including once before bed, and flossing daily will prevent most hygiene issues associated with braces.
Plan Your First Visit to The Smile Specialists
The expert team at The Smile Specialists is committed to helping families around Pennsylvania straighten and maintain healthy teeth. We use cutting-edge orthopedic technology and advanced practices to provide comfortable treatment for people of all ages. Plan an obligation-free first visit by calling 610-489-6032, or visiting our website.