If you have braces, food could become caught in your orthodontics and put your smile at risk. Even if you wear retainers or aligners, your smile could still be vulnerable to decay following your Thanksgiving feast. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist has tips to help improve the health of your smile, even if you have orthodontics in place!
How Sugar and Starch Impacts Smiles
When we consume foods and drinks that have high amounts of sugar or starch, this leaves these particles behind on or between our teeth. Harmful oral bacteria will then breakdown the particles, a process that not only causes a rise in oral acidity, but coats the teeth in layers of plaque and tartar. This buildup could weaken tooth enamel and inflame gum tissues, leading to tooth decay and gum disease, in addition to bad breath and discoloration. These particles could also become trapped in your braces, or stuck on your teeth once you put in your aligners or retainers. Which is why you should take a few actions during your Thanksgiving feast or keep your smile healthy and strong!
Choosing Healthy Options
Be sure to enjoy desserts in moderation, as your pies, cakes, and cookies could be high in starch and sugar particles. Other holiday favorites, like rolls, biscuits, sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes, along with others, could be high in starch. To balance your bite, be sure you drink water to help cleanse away trapped food and drink particles. In addition, try to add fresh fruits and veggies to your plate. In addition to offering vitamins and nutrients, some options like fresh apples, broccoli, and carrots could help scrub away trapped food particles as you consume them. You can help protect your smile and still enjoy some of your favorite dishes!
Brushing and Flossing
You should brush and floss daily as well, even if you’re out of town! You should start brushing your teeth in the morning and again at night for about two minutes. Each session should involve the use of a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the outer enamel. This is the same for kids and adults alike! You should work around your wires and brackets, where food particles could become trapped. Everyone also needs to floss each evening too, or perhaps just after your meal too, as flossing recommends the particles beyond the reach or your toothbrush or that could become trapped in the gum line.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC CARE?
With the right steps, you can help safeguard your smile throughout your big holiday meal. To learn more about caring for your smile while wearing orthodontics, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
