Providing proper care for your braces will include avoiding dietary habits that can damage your orthodontic appliances or increase the risk of dental decay. At Terrana Orthodontics, we want to help you achieve your smile goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. To do this you have to make the choice that contributes to a healthy environment for your teeth to move freely.
Potential Harm to Your Teeth and Gums
Foods and drinks with a high sugar content should be restricted to avoid the risk of dental caries (cavities) from developing. Sticky foods need to be avoided because they can contribute to dental decay and appliance breakage. If you consume any food or drinks with high sugar content, we recommend having them during regular meals or at a specific time during the day to ensure that you plan enough time to carefully brush and rinse immediately afterward. Snacks should be foods without refined sugar and should also be followed by brushing or at least vigorous rinsing.
Potential Harm to Your Braces
Braces can be broken off from your teeth, break, or bend while eating certain foods. The foods that can cause damage to your braces and should therefore be avoided include:
- Ice if it is chewed
- Sticky food or candy of any kind (taffy, caramels, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Bears, Now and Laters) damage appliances by bending wires and pulling cement loose.
- Hard food or candy of any kind (Jolly Ranchers, pizza crust, hard pretzels, beef jerky, Doritos, Fritos, Corn, raw carrots, nuts) can bend wires or loosen cement under the bands
- Foods high in sugar content (cake, cookies, ice cream) should be avoided whenever possible. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately. If it is not convenient to brush, then always rinse your mouth with clear water after eating sweet foods.
Remember, if you have any questions about what foods you should avoid or limit, just call us and ask. Also, be sure to check your braces regularly for any bent or loose wires and/or brackets. If you find any damage, call our office immediately to schedule a repair appointment, bring any loose pieces with you.
