Orthodontic braces come with a fair amount of challenges. One disadvantage is you have to limit yourself to a particular type of diet while still wearing them. Most people often find this hard to cope with especially if you are used to one type of food, getting to start a new diet might sometimes take long. So why should you limit yourself from eating certain foods?
They may harm your teeth and gums. Some foods may cause dental carries (cavities) and should not be taken without consent of your dentist. This is because these foods may get stuck to your braces for long periods of time making your gums and teeth soar.
They may harm your braces. Braces can withstand the forces of eating, but these braces can bend or break while eating certain types of foods. Bending or Breaking brace may harm your gums or mouth if left unchecked.
Getting that perfect smile comes with a price. Before your braces come off, it is important to indulge yourself in healthy eating habits. The healthier you are the better the results and fast healing of your orthodontic treatment this is because, proper diet provides all the essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing change. So which foods should you avoid when wearing braces?
Hard Foods.
Hard foods are to be avoided at all cost. They pose a potential danger of harming your teeth and gums. Eating hard foods might also loosen your braces, and this affects the development of your teeth. Also, avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth. Instead, these foods should be cut and broken into small pieces. Examples of hard foods are Nuts, Crunchy bread, Apples, Ice, and Corn.
Sticky Foods
It is best to keep off these foods too. Avoid gums, Candy and Lollipops among other sticky foods. This is because they might stick and pull at your orthodontic braces. If it is a must you engage yourself in these foods, it is advisable to brush and flush your teeth after a meal.
Chewy foods
Keeping yourself away from chewy foods like Chewing gums and Licorice snacks will keep your braces in position. Chewy foods also tend to wear off braces over time if regularly done. They also distort braces causing treatment delays and extra visits to the dentist for repairs
Crunchy Foods.
Examples of these foods include Popcorn, Crisps or even Biscuits. In your mouth, these foods break into small pieces and get stuck between teeth. If not checked on a regular basis they might cause tooth decay and other dental problems. Crunchy foods are mostly snacks, and it is advisable to take them before eating your food.
Biting Foods
These are foods that you will need to bite down on before having them. They include raw Vegetables, some fruits and Corn on the Nob. When eating these foods always cut them into small pieces and avoid biting into them. To soften Vegetables try steaming them to lose their crunch. This keeps them nutritious and at the same time makes it easier for you to eat.
Sweet Foods
Minimizing or entirely keeping off sweet foods such as Cakes, Ice creams and Cookies is an added benefit in aiding a fast and quick recovery. These foods are often associated with cavities and dental decays. Also avoid citric acid in some juices because when used frequently they can dissolve the tooth enamel.
Dental braces require patience when wearing them. Skipping foods that may harm your teeth, gum or orthodontic braces is always advisable. Damages to your braces may cause extension of treatment and this incurs more costs. It is also good to keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing daily.Labels: Health
