Candy just hits the spot sometimes, we can’t deny that. And we aren’t saying you should never eat it—but there’s definitely some considerations to take when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Today Sturbridge Orthodontics will give you some oral hygiene tips after indulging in treats.
That Time of Year
Our patients may not know this, but October is actually Orthodontic Health Month, which all relates back to eating the sweet stuff. So Dr. Sabelis figured now would be a good time to go over how sugar impacts your teeth, as well as how to manage and moderate your intake when temptation is at an all-time high!
Sweet but Scary
When we consume sweets, especially in large amounts, it can negatively impact our dental health. The combination of sugar, acid production, and bacteria in the mouth can lead to some spooky consequences. Sugar fuels bacteria, which then produces acid that erodes tooth enamel. Whether you have braces or not, here are some key points to keep in mind when indulging in sweets:
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- Cavities: When acid breaches the enamel layer, it creates small holes or cavities in the tooth. If left untreated, these cavities can grow deeper, eventually reaching the nerve and causing significant pain, or even the need for procedures like root canals. It’s important to get cavities filled promptly to prevent further damage.
- Plaque Formation: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and debris that forms on the surface of teeth. It promotes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease if not properly cleaned.
- Gum Disease: Sugary foods can vastly speed up the development of gum disease. The acids produced can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis, which can worsen over time if neglected.
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- Damage to Braces: This is likely to occur when eating certain candies and sweets, especially when they’re crunchy or sticky. Traditional braces consist of a complex system of components, which you want to keep intact.
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- Clear Aligners: Even with Invisalign, issues with sugar can present themselves. Since the aligner trays hug so closely to the tooth’s surface, they can trap bacteria if sugar isn’t washed away effectively.
Tricky Treats
If you’re under Dr. Sabelis’s care and have any manner of orthodontic appliance, you need to be hypervigilant on how to approach sweets in your diet. Like we said, you don’t always have to eliminate them completely, but there’s a whole collection of vital guidelines to follow.
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- Limiting Sweets: Moderation is the best tool here. You can still enjoy your favorite treats, but it’s important to adhere to the following rules for effective results. By controlling the amount you consume, you can lower your risk of both short-term and long-term oral issues.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Candy: These types of candies should be avoided entirely! Sticky candies like caramel and toffee can cause problems, while hard candies and lollipops are not only crunchy but also expose your teeth to sugar for an extended period since they dissolve slowly.
- Cut or Break Up Snacks: For snacks like chocolate bars, it’s easy to break them into smaller portions, making them more manageable and helping to protect your braces.
- Stay Hydrated: This is always a good idea, but especially when it comes to flushing out sugar particles from your mouth. It helps a lot with keeping your braces clean, too.
- Regular Check-Ups: Be sure to keep up with all of your appointments with Sturbridge Orthodontics! These visits are instrumental for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments or repairs to your braces. Issues can slip under the radar if you miss appointments.
- Choose Wisely: Some sweet things can be more problematic than others. Treats that melt quickly in your mouth, such as ice cream, yogurt, and smoothies, are generally safer choices. We generally suggest selecting sugar-free alternatives, even more so than opting for artificial sweeteners.
- Orthodontic Wax: It’s always a good idea to keep orthodontic wax on hand in your orthodontic travel kit. If your appliance breaks, comes loose, or has sharp wires due to a candy mishap, the wax can cover any abrasions until you can visit the office for repairs (and you will need to visit us!)
Serving You with Sweetness!
If you find yourself experiencing any discomfort or damage after indulging in sweets, there’s no need to worry too much! At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we are dedicated to getting patients back on track for successful treatment, whether that’s restorative or preventative. You can read some of the amazing reviews our community has written for our Sturbridge office here. Reach out to us any time!