After getting your braces on, your diet needs to go through an adjustment period. There are two primary things you’re hoping to avoid throughout orthodontic treatment: broken brackets or wires, and cavities. With all the focus on avoiding sticky or hard foods, you might overlook a big source of dental problems: pop. While it may seem safe for braces, it triggers plaque buildup and acid attacks on enamel that are likely to lead to decay.
If your child is recently in braces and working to adjust their daily diet, cutting down pop consumption is a good plan. Check out our infographic below for more guidance on exactly why soda is bad for teeth, and how to drink responsibly. If you ever have questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Why Pop is Bad for Braces
Consequences of Cavities During Braces
While cavities are never a good thing, there are a few reasons they’re particularly harmful for those with braces:
- Treatment progress could be lost – If a bad cavity forms, braces may need to be removed so that it can be treated. This means slower progress and more time spent with braces overall. Depending on cavity location and tooth sensitivity, there can be significant delays.
- Discoloration may form on teeth – When the enamel decalcifies due to erosion, white spots form on the teeth. These may not be noticeable while braces are still on, but they’ll be glaring concerns after braces come off. This is the last thing you want to see when checking out your newly straight smile in the mirror.
- Plaque buildup is more likely – With brackets and wires in place, plaque has more surfaces to take hold, and all the nooks and crannies make it tough to brush or floss away.
Concerned about your child’s oral health during orthodontic treatment? Get in touch for guidance!
