Wearing braces will take some getting used to, but the sacrifices you’ll make are temporary and well worth it in the end.
You’ll have a straight smile that will make you look and feel great, after all.
But we understand that some of the changes you’ll need to make during treatment, such as restricting your diet, can be challenging, especially during a holiday like Valentine’s Day.
Your Greeley orthodontist at Richter Orthodontics is here to help you get through it without hurting your braces or missing out on some of those special Valentine treats.
Don’t Let Valentine Sweets Hurt Your Braces
Here are a few suggestions for choosing sweets that won’t put your orthodontia at risk for damage:
*Some Sweets Are Safer Than Others*
Dr. Richter will provide a more detailed list of foods that you’ll want to stay away from during the course of your orthodontic treatment, but in general, you can lower the risk of damaging your brackets and wires by sticking with softer sweets this time of year.
Freshly-baked cookies, a slice of pie or cheesecake topped with fruit, or a cupcake would satisfy your sweet tooth more safely than other types of treats.
While you’ll want to practice moderation when it comes to sugar, rinsing your mouth out with water after you indulge is always a good rule of thumb. This keeps your teeth and your braces cleaner between brushing and keeps your risk for tooth decay lower.
*Beware The Bittersweet Treats*
If your sweetheart gives you a box of chocolates, choose the softer pieces. But beware! Some of the treats are more bitter than sweet for your smile.
Chocolate-covered nuts, toffee, gooey caramel, and marshmallow can all pose risks for your braces and your dental health. You could break or loosen a bracket or wire, and some of the sticky residues from the candy could get tangled up in your braces or get lodged between your teeth, as well.
And the longer your teeth and gums are exposed to sugar, the more time harmful bacteria will have to feed off of it and generate acids that erode your enamel.
Hard candy hearts and suckers are also problematic because they take longer to eat, and if you bite down on them, you could find yourself with a broken wire or bracket. No one wants to deal with an orthodontic emergency on Valentine’s Day!
Call For An Appointment
Just because you or your child has braces on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the sweets. It’s a matter of moderating your sugar intake, keeping your mouth clean, and avoiding anything that might harm your brackets and wires.
If you need help, visit Dr. Richter for tips on taking good care of your braces all year long.
To schedule an appointment in Greeley, CO, call Richter Orthodontics today at 970-500-5928 to contact us online.
