Working With A Great Dentist
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Working With A Great Dentist

I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.

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Working With A Great Dentist

The Dos And Don'ts Of Eating With Braces

Harper Hughes

A healthy diet is an important part of your dental health as well as your physical health, and that's even more true when you wear braces. Orthodontic treatment with braces can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted if you follow some basic guidelines and tips for eating so your teeth are at their strongest and brightest when you get your braces off.

Foods to Avoid

Braces make several foods off-limits during your treatment or require changes in preparation or consumption. One of the biggest concerns for patients who are undergoing braces treatment is keeping their teeth free of plaque buildup and decay that can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and discoloration. 

Sugar is a particularly large contributor to tooth decay, so make sure to monitor your sugar intake. Many people who begin braces treatment find they need to significantly reduce their sugar consumption to keep their teeth healthy. 

Avoid most candies, pastries, and sweets that contain sticky or gooey substances, such as caramel. These foods can get stuck under your braces wires and brackets where it's most difficult to brush and floss. Some sticky and chewy foods can even pull your wires loose. Steer clear of peanut butter, other nut butter, fruit snacks and rollups, and sugary gum.

Many hard and crunchy foods aren't good ideas with braces either. Hard foods can snap wires and damage the brackets, so they're best avoided. Hard fruits and vegetables can be difficult to bite into due to the braces brackets on the upper front teeth.

Nuts, trail mix, popcorn, and hard-crusted bread, including things like bagels and pizza crust, can all spell trouble for braces wearers.

What to Eat

While it may seem like braces severely limit your food choices, there are plenty of things you can enjoy safely during your orthodontic treatment. 

Opt for soft and tender foods whenever possible. Many raw fruits and veggies aren't suitable due to their crunchiness, but steamed or boiled vegetables and soft fruits, such as bananas and berries, are good options. Cut hard fruit, like apples and pears, into tiny pieces you can chew with your back molars.

Soft dairy foods, such as cheese and yogurt, are good braces-friendly sources of protein and calcium. Soft beans, rice, and noodles can take the place of toasted and bread with hard crusts. Go for lean, soft cuts of meat off the bone, like fish, chicken, and lean pork. 

Talk to your orthodontist about your diet during your braces treatment and make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly after every meal and snack to prevent plaque buildup under and around your braces. 


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