During the coronavirus quarantine, it is harder than normal for an orthodontist to fix broken brackets or handle an orthodontic emergency. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! This holds true when taking care of your braces and avoiding orthodontic emergencies.
We here at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS thought it might be helpful to offer some reminders about foods to avoid during orthodontic treatment. We know it can be hard to keep up with your routines during the “new normal” that everyone is experiencing at the beginning of 2020. So here’s a quick refresher on foods to avoid when you’re wearing braces.
Rule #1: Avoid hard or crunchy foods
This might be the most important rule! Hard and crunchy foods such as nuts, ice cubes, potato chips, and pretzels can break your brackets. Broken brackets can’t do their job properly. Also, broken brackets can lead to severe discomfort inside your mouth!
Rule #2: Avoid foods you have to bite with your front teeth
Corn on the cob and apples are good examples of this type of food. Anything that requires a good bite from your front teeth should be avoided while you’re wearing braces. This will help you complete your treatment on schedule and avoid the discomfort of broken brackets.
Rule #3: Avoid chewy & sticky foods
Chewy foods like bagels and hard rolls can get stuck in your braces, and they can also move or break your brackets. In addition to chewy foods, sticky foods such as licorice, taffy, caramel, and Starburst wreak havoc on your mouth during orthodontic treatment.
Not only do sticky foods get lodged in your brackets and make them harder to clean; the high sugar content of many sticky foods (especially candy) creates acid inside your mouth, which leads to cavities. If you have sticky food stuck in your braces, you’re more likely to get cavities.
Rule #4: Avoid foods that stain your teeth
This is more aesthetic (for looks) than anything else. Coffee, tea, curry, and wine can all stain your teeth. We realize many of our patients might not enjoy (or be allowed to have) some of the foods and beverages that stain our teeth. But it’s still a good reminder to watch what you’re eating and drinking during orthodontic treatment.
If you have a question about the right foods when wearing braces, give our office a call, or visit the contact page to send us an email. Our team is always available to answer your questions and make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible!
Stay safe and healthy during this crisis!