7 Important Foods to Avoid If You are Wearing Dental Braces
Dental braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments. While braces are very effective at correcting many dental problems, they can also be quite a nuisance. One of the most difficult issues about wearing braces is minding your eating habits. Many foods and drinks are hazardous to the braces by creating discomfort and breakages because they can stick in the brackets or wires.
1. Sticky Candy
Sticky candy is one of the worst snacks you can eat with braces. Not only is it full of sugar, which can cause cavities, but it can also easily stick in your braces and be very difficult to remove. If you must eat candy, brush your teeth afterward and floss carefully to avoid any problems.
2. Hard Candy
Hard candy can be just as bad as sticky candy with braces. These can also stick in your braces and be difficult to remove. In addition, hard candy can break your brackets or wires if you bite down on it too hard.
3. Popcorn
You can make popcorn in a pan on the stove or in a popcorn maker. You can also buy microwave popcorn. However, people with braces should not eat popcorn because the popcorn kernels can get caught in the brackets and wires. Besides, eating too much popcorn can also cause gum disease.
4. Apples
Apples are nutritious. However, people with braces should be careful when eating apples because the hard skin can damage the braces. It is best to eat apples with the skin removed.
5. Grapes
Grapes are a type of fruit that you can eat raw or cooked. Grapes are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, people with dental braces or other dental devices should avoid eating grapes because they can stick to teeth and cause cavities.
6. Meat
Meat can get caught in brackets and wires, making it difficult to remove and increasing the risk of tooth decay. In addition, meat can be tough to chew when you have braces, making it more likely to cause pain or irritation. If you love meat, try cutting it into small pieces or grilling it instead of frying it. It’ll help reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
7. Sugary Drinks
It is extremely important to take extra care of your teeth when wearing braces. The brackets and wires can trap food and bacteria, leading to cavities and gum disease. Sugary drinks are a particularly common culprit, as the sugar can adhere to the braces and promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
For this reason, it is best to avoid sugary drinks altogether when you are wearing braces. Water and unsweetened coffee or tea are much better choices, as they will not promote the growth of bacteria or contribute to tooth decay.
Dental braces are devices used to straighten teeth. Taking extra care of your teeth when you have braces is important, as they can trap food and bacteria. Also, choose professional orthodontics who provide top-notch services to avoid future problems with your braces.