These days, having a healthy set of teeth is common. Practicing good oral hygiene can allow you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, some people may have to deal with dental problems such as having crooked or misaligned teeth. Not being able to practice healthy dental hygiene when a person is younger could be the reason behind the misalignment. Fortunately, with the advancement of dental solutions and treatment, there is something you can do about your misaligned teeth such as getting a brace.
WHAT ARE DENTAL BRACES?
Dental braces are used to straighten or move your teeth in order to improve your teeth’s appearance and how your teeth work. Braces work by applying continuous pressure over a given period of time in order to move the teeth in a specific direction. The braces may consist of bands, wires and other fixed or removable appliances intended to correct the teeth’s position. Braces can improve your teeth but getting a brace might seem uncomfortable during the first few days.
ARE THERE ANY FOOD RESTRICTIONS WITH BRACES?
People with braces claim that they feel pain or irritation around their teeth and gums but it should go away after a few days. That is the reason why most of them are not comfortable with eating – they find it hard to chew on food. However, that is not the hardest adjustment they will be facing. When they are used to braces, they can eat normally but there are certain foods that are off limits while wearing braces. These foods can get stuck in the braces and damage it.
Here is a list of foods to stay away from with braces:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Ice
- Chewing gum
- Hard and chewy candies
- Pizza crust
- Bagels
- Hard crackers
- Chips
Braces can be costly on your part when dealing with damage so it is important to avoid these foods while you have braces. Basically, foods that are sticky and hard can cause damage to wires and brands so you need to stay away from it at all cost. Also, it is recommended to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks while you are on braces. Remember that eating too much sugar can increase your chance of having plaque buildup. Brushing your teeth can remove the plaque but since you have braces, brushing might not work properly. If the plaque is not removed, you have a higher chance of having tooth decay.
Also, stay away from foods that you have to bite into such as corn, apples and carrots. Biting into this food can damage your braces. When one of the brackets gets loose and is not attached to your tooth, that tooth is not moving and that means, it will take longer for the braces to correct your teeth’s alignment.
Getting braces can improve your teeth and your general dental health. However, eating the wrong type of food can lead to poor results. Ask your dentist about foods that you can eat and keep your braces in good condition so you don’t have to wear them for an extended period of time.