Braces are quickly becoming a rite of passage for kids, and more and more adults are sporting these cute metal wires too. While few people relish the time spent wearing braces, they do an important service. Correcting malocclusions (misaligned teeth) is important for your dental health as well as your look. Plus, braces come with a very long list of can-do’s and a very short list of can’ts!
What You Can Do
Contrary to popular belief, you can still do most activities with braces, including contact sports. Just be sure to be fitted with a mouth guard to prevent damage to the braces and injuries to your mouth. With the right protective gear, you should be able to participate in all of the same activities that you did before you got braces. You can also eat most of your favorite foods. Think chocolate, ice cream, cookies, and cakes, as well as all fruits and most vegetables, plus tender meats and soft bread.
What You Can’t Do
Most of what you can’t do has to do with the things you put in your mouth. For example, crunching on ice is out! So is using your teeth to pry things open or tear things apart. You should also avoid chewing on your nails or the end of your pen, which are bad habits anyway! And, of course, there are a few foods that you need to avoid. Hard foods like candy, popcorn, and nuts are some of the worst foods to eat while you have braces. Watch out for sticky foods, like taffy and caramel, as well.
What You Must Do
Of course, in any list of cans and cannots, it is important to include a list of musts! Good dental hygiene is more important now than ever. Little bits of food and plaque love to hide out around your braces. Proper brushing and flossing are vital to maintaining a healthy mouth. You also must faithfully wear any orthodontic appliances you are given if you want your treatment to be effective.
Wearing braces is a lot better than you might think. Your mouth quickly adjusts to the brackets and wires, and you will soon forget you even have them on. Plus, most things in your life can stay the same. Just be sure to take good care of your teeth, wear the proper protective gear, and stay away from the short list of can’ts! And remember, it will all be over before you know it!
Check out this article on how to avoid cavities at your next dentist visit!
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