The Impact of Dietary Habits on Orthodontic Treatment
Posted on 3/1/2024 by Weo Admin
Alongside wearing braces as directed, maintaining proper dietary habits proves vital. Read below about how to have complication-free progress during your orthodontic journey.
Tooth Protection Is Crucial
With brackets bonded to them, teeth become more susceptible to breakages or fractures during treatment. Hard or sticky foods could damage brackets or bands. Without the protection of a mouthguard, impacts during biting or chewing can loosen bonding or crack enamel. Avoiding excessively crunchy, crispy, chewy, or brittle food protects your orthodontic appliances. Opt for softer foods cut into bite-sized portions whenever possible.
Support Bone Health
Inadequate vitamin D and calcium intake impact bone development, especially during adolescence. This is concerning, as tooth movement depends on bone remodeling, and dietary deficiencies can impede orthodontic treatment response. Meeting nutritional needs is crucial for maintaining bone density and promoting remineralization. Include dairy, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and lean protein in your diet to support bone health during treatment.
Reduce Staining Risks
Discoloration from dietary choices like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use can be hard to remove from enamel surfaces with braces. Accumulating stains may require tooth whitening after debonding to recapture your bright smile. Moderating use, along with prompt hygiene after intake, allows enjoying your favorite foods and beverages without sacrificing smile radiance.
Reduce Unhealthy Cravings
Citrus fruits contain acids that erode enamel and irritate oral tissue. Candies with concentrated sugars and chips or pretzels with starch can also cause problems for braces. Excessive sugar promotes decay-causing bacteria, and starch debris easily gets stuck in orthodontic appliances. To prevent damage and complications that could lengthen your treatment, it is important to give in to these cravings in moderation and clean your teeth meticulously afterward. Developing a balanced eating routine that includes nutritious whole foods is beneficial for both your oral health and your treatment progress.
Maintain an Open Dialogue
Discuss any nutritional concerns with our orthodontist right from the beginning of your treatment. They can provide meal plans and suggest healthy food alternatives that may cause issues. By making proactive dietary adjustments and staying vigilant, you can still enjoy a vibrant and nutritious diet while your smile transforms.
About Us • Raleigh Family Ortho Learn more about Dr. Lee & Dr. Neill, their Raleigh dental practice, and some basic information about orthodontics. Call us today to schedule! Raleigh Family Orthodontics, 9201 Leesville Rd STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 • (984) 254-0585 • raleighfamilyortho.com • 12/14/2024 • Key Phrases: orthodontist RALEIGH NC •
Alongside wearing braces as directed, maintaining proper dietary habits proves vital. Read below about how to have complication-free progress during your orthodontic journey.