The link between nutrition and orthodontic care has been studied for years. Many people don’t realize it, but orthodontists are incredibly knowledgeable about food. When you’re being treated with braces, the dietary guidelines you receive aren’t just suggestions. They’re based on sound science that will contribute to a more successful outcome. Here’s a closer look at how nutrition and orthodontic care are linked.

Oral Healthcare Starts in the Womb

If you want your child to live a healthy life, it starts in the womb. Women are urged to eat a healthy and nutritious diet when they’re pregnant because it can impact their baby’s health later on. Orthodontic research has shown a link between a poor diet during pregnancy and children developing orthodontic problems later on. A lack of proper nutrients can delay the development of facial features, which could cause malocclusion. Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy and taking those prenatal vitamins can prevent the need for primary orthodontic care later in the child’s life.

Vitamins and Nutrients for Strong, Healthy Teeth

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, you should strive for a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous. These are the nutrients that support healthy teeth and bones. They will help keep the enamel on your teeth strong. This is important because your braces will be putting a constant strain on the enamel during treatment. Foods like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt are essential things you should include in your diet to support bone health.

Fruits, veggies, and lean protein contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Skinless chicken breast, salmon, and beans are excellent choices for lean protein.

About Fruits and Vegetables

It’s best to stick to the softer options for fruits and vegetables. Crunchy foods like carrots and apples should be avoided. Biting into those can damage the delicate orthodontic appliances attached to your teeth. Steamed carrots and other veggies are okay to eat. Instead of an apple, have some applesauce.

Orthodontic-Friendly Foods

Speaking of things that won’t harm your braces, soft foods should be a rule of thumb when undergoing treatment. Mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup, and other soft foods will reduce the risk of any problems with your braces. The fact that you don’t have to chew them means the braces are less likely to irritate the insides of your cheeks.

Salmon and fish are excellent choices for protein because they are soft and flaky, and you don’t have to bite them. When it comes to steak or chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces that you can chew up. Avoid biting into a piece of meat and pulling it apart with your teeth.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

There are some things you will have to avoid when undergoing orthodontic care. Anything that has the potential to damage your braces should be excluded from your diet. Crunchy snack foods are at the top of the list. Crunchy corn chips or potato chips, popcorn, and nuts are examples you should avoid. Hard or sticky candies like caramel are also on the list. Caramel will stick to the teeth; trying to get it off your braces is a beast. Hard candies have the potential to break the appliances.

Sugary foods and drinks should also be avoided. Sugar is acidic, and it sticks to the surface of teeth. Adults with braces should avoid acidic beverages like coffee, tea, or wine.

Stay Hydrated

Remember to drink plenty of water every day when you have braces. This helps to rinse food particles off your teeth. It also enables you to avoid dry mouth and discomfort from wearing braces. Drinking water will help you prevent cavities by rinsing the teeth off. Developing cavities is one of the most significant risks when wearing braces, so you should stay hydrated. Also, remember to carefully follow your Melbourne orthodontist’s instructions when brushing and flossing.

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