Common Oral Problems To Avoid While Wearing Braces
Posted on 5/1/2025 by Raleigh Family Orthodontics
Getting braces is an exciting step towards a straighter, healthier smile. But with all the new metal in your mouth, it's important to be extra careful about your oral health. Certain habits and foods can cause problems while wearing braces, leading to discomfort and even delaying your treatment progress.
Let's explore some common oral problems to avoid while wearing braces:
Food and Drinks to Avoid
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Sticky and chewy foods: These can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to remove and increasing your risk of cavities. Examples include caramel, gum, gummy bears, licorice, and chewy candy.
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Hard foods: Biting into hard foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, and ice can damage your braces and cause discomfort.
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Sugary foods and drinks: Sugar can contribute to tooth decay, especially when it gets trapped around your braces. Limiting sugary treats and drinks is essential for maintaining good oral health.
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Acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks, can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Habits to Avoid
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Playing with your braces: Fiddling with your braces can loosen them and damage the wires. This can prolong your treatment and cause discomfort.
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Biting your nails or pens: This can put extra pressure on your braces and damage them.
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Using your teeth as tools: Don't use your teeth to open bottles, tear tape, or hold objects. This can chip or break your teeth.
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Not brushing and flossing properly: Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for removing food particles and plaque that can build up around your braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and special floss designed for braces to clean effectively.
Other Tips
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Wear your rubber bands as instructed: If your treatment plan includes rubber bands, wear them consistently as directed by your orthodontist. Skipping or forgetting to wear them can slow down your progress.
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Keep your follow-up appointments: Regular checkups with your orthodontist are crucial for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments.
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Listen to your orthodontist's instructions: Follow your orthodontist's advice carefully to ensure a smooth and successful treatment experience.
By avoiding these common oral problems, you can keep your mouth healthy and comfortable while wearing braces. Remember, taking care of your teeth now will pay off with a beautiful and healthy smile in the future.
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 Road STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 : (984) 254-0585 : raleighfamilyortho.com : 6/18/2025 : Page Phrases: orthodontist RALEIGH NC :
Getting braces is an exciting step towards a straighter, healthier smile. But with all the new metal in your mouth, it's important to be extra careful about your oral health. Certain habits and foods can cause problems while wearing braces, leading to discomfort and even delaying your treatment progress.