The lifestyle of having braces can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to what you can and can't eat. As you adjust to life with braces, here are a few risks that may come with it. If you treat your braces as instructed by your orthodontist, you should have no trouble avoiding these risks for the time being.
Damage From Eating the Wrong Foods
Some of the biggest culprits when it comes to problems for custom metal braces are sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods. Foods like chewing gum, candy, marshmallows, and even things like soft or sticky granola bars or dried fruits can adhere to the brackets and wires of your custom metal braces. They can also get stuck between your teeth and pose dental problems since flossing is already more difficult with braces. Conversely, tougher foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, pretzels, and even some raw vegetables can cause small particles to get lodged into the nooks and crannies, making it difficult to fully clean your mouth afterward. By eating the wrong foods, you risk exposing your mouth to debris that can decay your teeth, irritate your gums, and damage your braces, all of which can cause oral pain.
Minor Cuts on the Inside of Your Mouth
Braces are a remarkable piece of technology that can help you in the long term, but there are some slight habitual adjustments you may have to make in order to get used to the feeling of them in your mouth. Custom metal braces aren't particularly sharp or serrated, so most of the time you won't poke your tongue or cheek, but it is still a possibility as you get used to, or forget about, the new braces on your teeth. One way to avoid damage is to not move your tongue around the front of your teeth too much. Another way is to sleep on your back, which, according to our team, can help you reduce the likelihood of the braces catching on your cheek during the night.
Oral Plaque Buildup
It can be frustrating at first to try and brush and floss around your new braces. It's important to use a floss pick in these situations when regular string floss would be too difficult to thread through your gums. Despite the difficulty, it's vital that you continue to brush and floss regularly (twice a day, according to our team) to avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth decay.
Adjusting your habits to accommodate your new
custom metal braces may seem daunting at first, but it will start to feel natural before you know it. Being mindful now can save you a lot of discomfort and complications in the future. According to The Atlantic, as many as 4 million people have braces in the United States today. If you're looking to straighten your teeth, reach out to Becker Orthodontics for a consultation.
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