Sugary drinks and hard foods can get in the way of a straighter smile. Who would have thought that by eating a whole apple, you might have to visit the orthodontist for an emergency repair to brackets and wires? See better results with less plague buildup and maintain the health of your teeth and gums by following necessary food and drink guidelines from your orthodontic office in San Mateo or Half Moon Bay, CA. Learn more about foods and beverages to avoid, as well as, cleaning your teeth and braces, from your orthodontist in San Mateo or Half Moon Bay, CA.
- Foods to avoid with braces. Patients are recommended to stick with soft foods for the first few days after having braces affixed to teeth. After that, patients are recommended to steer clear from sticky, chewy and sugary foods. Patients need to be aware that sugar helps bacteria to grow and can damage teeth. Chewing gum, caramels and even corn can stick to braces. As many patients need time to adjust to having and caring for their braces, it is best to cut food into smaller pieces and stick to softer foods. Hard foods are also to be avoided. Examples of hard foods include carrots, whole apples and crusty rolls. The problem with hard foods is that they can potentially break wires and brackets that make up your fixed brace.
- Beverages to avoid with braces. As sugar is a component to many drinks, beverages such as soda, natural fruit juice and carbonated drinks should not be consumed. Such drinks can damage tooth enamel and increase chances of tooth decay and erosion. Such drinks may also stain your brackets. Water and milk are the best beverages to consume. Use a straw when drinking beverages that may stain teeth. Learn more about necessary changes to your diet at your orthodontics office in the San Francisco Peninsula area.
- Products to remove food and plaque buildup. Metal and ceramic braces require an adjustment to routine oral hygiene processes. Sticky foods and food particles easily lodge between teeth and braces. Tartar control agents and other active ingredients make for more effective toothpastes and help freshen breath. “Power” toothbrushes may be used as well as small interdental brushes that can effectively clean the area around fixed brace brackets. Floss threaders are useful for removing bits of food from under orthodontic wires. For patients with a removable brace, a separate toothbrush should be used to clean the brace. Use your regular toothpaste to gently clean any debris and then rinse the brace with fresh water. Your orthodontist in San Francisco Peninsula area can advise you as to proper procedures for maintaining your o樂威壯
ral health while using braces.
Learn to care for your teeth and orthodontic braces from your top rated San Mateo, CA and Half Moon Bay, CA orthodontist, specializing in braces and Invisalign. Call 650.288.0316 to schedule an appointment at Alborzi Orthodontics to review braces guidelines in more depth.