Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important to your oral health while having braces, but what you drink can play a part too. Sugar is the main ingredient in many soft drinks, juices, sports drinks and energy drinks and as good as sugar sounds it is actually harmful for your teeth. “But those drinks taste so good”, we know, however sugar can cause dental decay which isn't good at all.
How is sugar harmful?
Sugar particles spark overproduction of acid and plaque in our mouths which creates tooth decay. Acid breaks down enamel in teeth causing erosion that can cause pain and cause teeth to become very sensitive. The more sugary soft drinks, the more acid that is produced, the bigger problem you have. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed. Also, if you’re consuming drinks with lot of sugar while having braces you may find that your teeth have white spots, which is a condition called decalcification. When sugar is left on the teeth you can be left with a buildup of grim under your braces, thus causing white spots called decalcification.How to prevent harm to your teeth from sugary drinks?
If you consume drinks that are high in sugar try not to do it often, and when you do make sure your brush and rinse after. However, eliminating sugary drinks from your diet and maintaining proper oral hygiene (visiting your dentist, brushing your teeth and flossing) is best for your oral health.
What are alternatives to sugary drinks?
- Water
- Fruit infused water
- Tea
- Veggie juice
- Milk
For more information what you can and can not eat during treatment visit wentzorthodontics.com. If you have questions please contact our office, we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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