For parents, the struggle to somehow get healthy food into the stomachs of your children is real. They are always more interested in dessert than they are dinner, and they might even sneak into the freezer for some late-night ice cream. When summer comes around, that struggle gets even tougher as the youngsters come inside not looking for water, but for the sugary satisfaction of soda. For children with braces, it is very important to at the very least limit their soda intake or maybe even eliminate it. Dr. Harrison wants to spend some time today explaining why that is and give some tips to help.
Why Is Soda Bad For People With Braces?
Well, the first thing we need to do is give provide some clarity: Soda is bad for everyone, whether you wear braces or not. Most notably, it is awful for your teeth. The acid wears away at the enamel in your teeth and is a leading cause of cavities. It is Dr. Harrison’s recommendation that everybody limit their soda intake.
However, it is especially bad for people with braces, not because it’s any more unhealthy, but because the braces will shield a section of each tooth from soda, while the exposed section takes the hit and is exposed to the sugar and acid of soda.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: How Do Cavities Happen?
So Should We Give Up Soda Completely?
From an orthodontist’s perspective, Dr. Harrison does recommend not drinking soda with braces and most dentists would make the same recommendation. However, Dr. Harrison also understands that it’s difficult to completely cut off soda from your kids. Here are a few tips that will lessen the effects of soda:
- Only drink soda through a straw
- Only drink soda with a meal
- Brush your teeth more often if drinking soda
These tips won’t completely eliminate the negative effects of soda, but they will help shield your child’s teeth from discoloration.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Toothbrushing Tips And Techniques
What Are Some Alternatives?
Fortunately, all sugary products aren’t bad for your braces. While the sugar isn’t great for your teeth, it is actually the acidity in soda that makes it the most harmful. So, a milkshake isn’t a bad thing. However, if you are looking for a cold drink on a summer’s day, Dr. Harrison recommends fruit juice or even smoothies.
Related Post: General Dentistry Tips: Worst Drinks For Teeth
Contact Dr. Harrison For More Orthodontic Help
Braces can be inconvenient, but the results that you will see in you or your child’s teeth are worth the inconvenience. If you have more question for Dr. Harrison about braces, please give Parkcrest Dental a call at (417) 262-5515 and set up an appointment with Dr. Harrison.
