During orthodontic treatment, diet plays an important role in the success of the treatment. Many patients are not aware of the importance of proper nutrition and think that only brushing is enough; While improper food consumption can cause loosening of brackets, bending of wires and even tooth decay. In this article, we will take a closer look at orthodontics and nutrition: forbidden foods, scientific reasons for their prohibition, and suitable alternatives. Also, preventive strategies and supplementary care are introduced to increase the lifespan of orthodontic treatment.

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Definition of orthodontics and nutrition during treatment

rot teeth Therefore, knowing the prohibited foods in orthodontics and nutrition is a necessity.

Forbidden foods in orthodontics

Consumption of certain foods during orthodontics not only slows down the treatment, but also causes the brackets to break or the plaque to accumulate on the teeth. The most important prohibited foods in orthodontics and nutrition are:

1. Hard and crunchy foods

Includes nuts, chips, hard chips, popcorn and ice. These materials can separate the brackets from the tooth surface or cause cracks in the wire.

2. Sticky and sweet foods

Candy, toffee, gum, caramel, and sticky chocolate stick to the orthodontic wire and attract bacteria, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

3. Hard fruits and vegetables

Bite directly on apples, carrots and corn may cause the bracket to detach. It is recommended to crush or puree them.

4. Sugary and acidic drinks

Soda, energy drinks and industrial juices cause tooth enamel erosion and discoloration around the brackets.

5. Very hot or cold foods

Extreme temperature difference can cause rapid contraction or expansion of the metal of the brackets and as a result cause pain or mechanical damage.

Reasons against consuming these foods

The main reason for avoiding certain foods during orthodontics is to prevent mechanical and health problems:

• Prevention of breaking the bracket or orthodontic wire
• Preventing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria around the brackets
• reducing the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis
• Maintaining the health of tooth enamel and speeding up the treatment process

The more healthy the patient has a diet, the more successful and faster the result of orthodontic treatment will be.

Methods to prevent damage to brackets and wires

To avoid damage, it is necessary to observe several points:

• Divide foods into smaller pieces.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages or break objects.
• After every meal, use a soft toothbrush and orthodontic floss.
• Use antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce plaque.
• Drink acidic drinks with a straw to reduce contact with the teeth.

Allowed foods and suitable substitutes

Although many foods are prohibited during orthodontics, there are delicious and healthy alternatives. Instead of chips or nuts, you can use vegetable soup, mashed potatoes or yogurt. Also, soft fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe and peaches are completely safe for orthodontics. It is recommended to eat cooked and soft foods such as boiled eggs, steamed fish and soft rice. These foods are not only safe for dental health, but also speed up gum healing.

Exercises and additional care to maintain oral health in orthodontics

Simple jaw and tongue exercises can help regulate the pressure on the teeth. Exercises such as opening and closing the mouth slowly or moving the tongue in different directions strengthen the jaw muscles. In addition to practice, the use of and water jet (water pick) are recommended to clean the spaces between the brackets. Also, a regular visit to an orthodontic specialist is necessary at least every 4 to 6 weeks.

Alternative therapies and complementary supplements

In some cases, patients need complementary treatments due to food restrictions or mouth and gum problems. The use of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus supplements helps to strengthen the jaw bone. If the patient needs to take a break from the treatment due to breaking the bracket, it is possible to temporarily use removable orthodontics or clear aligners, which have less dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of orthodontics and nutrition is the key to success in orthodontic treatment. Adhering to a proper diet not only prevents damage to the brackets, but also makes the teeth healthy and reduces the duration of treatment. By consciously choosing food, patients can get their beautiful and healthy smile faster and without trouble.

Ten frequently asked questions about orthodontics and nutrition: prohibited foods

• Is it allowed to eat popcorn in orthodontics? No, hard popcorn kernels may dislodge the bracket.
• Can you use gum without sugar? Not recommended, as it may stick to the wire.
• What effect do carbonated drinks have? The acid in soda weakens tooth enamel.
• How can you eat solid foods? by crushing or cooking them soft before consumption.
• Is it forbidden to eat fruit? No, you only need to chop or puree hard fruits.
• What drinks are allowed? Water, low-fat milk and natural fruit juice are the best options.
• What should be done if the bracket breaks? See an orthodontist immediately.
• Is red meat harmful? If it is cooked soft and tender, there is no problem.
• Can you eat seeds or seeds? No, because it might get stuck between the wires and bend the bracket.
• What is the best snack for orthodontics? Yogurt, fruit smoothies and soft soups are great options.

Ten misconceptions about orthodontics and nutrition

• You can eat any food with caution. is wrong; Some foods are harmful even with caution.
• Gum without sugar is harmless. wrong; Its adhesion damages the bracket.
• Brackets are strong and won't break. In fact, they are very sensitive.
• There is no need to brush after every meal. wrong; They should be cleaned after every meal.
• Soft foods do not require care. Even soft foods can cause plaque.
• You can chew food with closed teeth. This will put a lot of pressure on the bracket.
• Only children need to follow the diet. All orthodontic patients must have a special diet.
• You can have a hot drink with the bracket. wrong; High temperature may weaken the bracket adhesive.
• There is no need for dental floss in orthodontics. wrong; Dental floss for orthodontics is essential.
• After some time, you can eat forbidden foods. No, the diet must be followed until the end of the treatment.

Final result: Adhering to the principles of orthodontics and nutrition: prohibited foods not only prevent dental problems, but also increase the quality of treatment and reduce the duration of using brackets. Food awareness and discipline is the key to having a healthy and beautiful smile.

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