Adjusting to life with braces doesn’t have to be difficult. While there are certainly a few habits that new brace-wearers will need to break, these habits can be overcome with the right mindset. The results will be worth it in the end — a beautiful smile. Today, the Parkcrest Dental Group will discuss the four most common habits that you will need to stop once you receive braces.
Chewing on Items Other Than Food
The habit of chewing on random objects — such as pens, pencils, straws, and fingernails — is a particularly troublesome practice. Most of us don’t even realize we are chewing until we catch ourselves. While chewing on objects can damage anyone’s teeth, people with braces need to pay extra attention. Chewing can cause your brackets to chip, break, or shift. Try your best to only chew during your meals or snacks.
Related Post: Holiday Foods That Braces Wearers Should Avoid
Using Your Teeth to Open Packages
We’ve all had a bag of potato chips or crackers that just will not open. Desperation will often lead to clamping our teeth on the plastic and shredding the package. This is a bad idea for anyone, however, people with braces must never resort to using their teeth to tear bags open. You can force your teeth, and thus the brackets of your braces, to shift out of alignment, resulting in repairs and potentially longer treatment time. Simply use a pair of scissors instead.
Chewing on Ice
For some people, chewing on ice is an incredibly tempting habit. It’s true that the last of your drink may be lingering among ice cubes, but you must avoid chewing the ice in that last sip. Chewing on ice chips may be satisfying, but it can easily damage your braces or chip your teeth. Steer clear of any remaining ice in your drink, or just wait for it to fully melt.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a habit that can absolutely wreck your braces. Sticky foods are notorious for bending wires, and chewing gum may be responsible for more orthodontic mishaps than any other food. Wait until after you get your braces off before you reach for a stick of your favorite gum.
Related Post: Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?
Schedule Your Next Orthodontists Appointment at Parkcrest Dental Group
If you are looking for an expert orthodontic team in Springfield, MO, schedule an appointment with the office of Dr. Harrison at Parkcrest Dental Group. Our team is dedicated to helping the Springfield community achieve the beautiful smiles they always wanted.
