You’re in between meals and craving something sweet, but you just started orthodontic treatment. This means that many of your favorite foods should now be avoided. Is there anything sweet you can eat? The short answer is yes! Orthodontist Dr. Zohreh Rasouli and the staff at Oyster Bay Orthodontics are here to explain the truth about sugar and how to satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your braces.
The Truth About Sugar
Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and is off-limits during orthodontic treatment to keep the teeth healthy and strong. Whether you’re in braces or not, it is important to note that candy which contains lots of sugar should always be avoided, especially during orthodontic treatment. Failure to do so could mean more dental work after your braces come off.
Keep in mind that it makes a difference what type of sugar you consume; texture and concentration matter immensely. The stickier the candy, the more minutes it sits on your teeth, the more likely the teeth are to decay. This also has the potential to cause permanent stains. If eating a high sugar content food, the faster they are cleaned off the teeth by saliva, water or a toothbrush, the less risk there is. Once braces are on, sugar has many places to hide and the longer it’s left to sit on the teeth and braces, the more damage it causes.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth, Consciously
While you may not be able to enjoy some of your favorite candies as before, don’t worry. There are still many ways to satisfy your sweet tooth while wearing braces that won’t compromise your orthodontic treatment. Some of the sweets you can still enjoy include:
- Dark chocolate
- Soft-baked cookies
- Smoothies or milkshakes
- Ice cream
- Fruit
- Thin-sliced apples
- Brownies
Just as you would after any meal, it is important to remember to brush after eating sweets to remove any leftover food from your teeth that could cause damage.
Trust the Orthodontic Staff of Oyster Bay Orthodontics
We understand that it can be hard to resist the temptation of satisfying your sweet tooth, but you still have many tasty options. Choosing one of the above foods can help you make healthier choices when you do decide to give in to that temptation. For more information on eating with braces or to schedule an appointment, contact us. Your smile is our priority.
