Whether you can drink coffee with braces or not is a common query for almost everyone who goes orthodontic. People often think of how the hot and acidic beverage can affect their braces and teeth.
There’re pros and cons to answering this question. According to Dr. Richard Wortzman,, a New York-based orthodontic expert, people with braces can drink coffee, be it hot or cold, and even switch to decaffeinated coffee if they wish.
He further adds that one should understand that any sugary drink should be avoided when wearing braces. Cold coffee is a better option than hot coffee as it contains less sugar and not as much acid as other beverages.
Besides, the American Dental Association (ADA) explains that drinking coffee doesn’t directly damage dental braces. However, it can lead to stains on the teeth and braces if not taken in moderation. So, if someone is wearing braces and wishes to drink coffee, ADA recommends brushing teeth after every sip.
Further, ADA suggests that all coffee lovers should drink it with a straw and make sure to rinse the mouth with water after drinking coffee.
Coffee isn’t the only thing that people with braces must avoid. Dr. Wortzman suggests avoiding chewy and hard foods like bagels and apples as well. This is because they can easily get stuck in the braces and cause damage.
Also, citrus fruits and juices, such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits, should be avoided. They are acidic in nature and even if they’re taken in moderation, they can wear down the teeth and the braces.
Braces Care
Regardless of what type of braces you have, you should always practice excellent oral hygiene. Dr. Wortzman recommends brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste. This will help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
You should also floss between the teeth and around the braces. This will help in removing food particles and plaque from the areas that the toothbrush can’t reach.
If you are able to take care of your teeth properly while wearing braces, you can reduce the risk of getting cavities and other dental problems. Additionally, you should also follow a healthy diet and limit the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups is also important when you have braces. Dental professionals can give you advice on how to care for the braces and the teeth. They can also make sure that everything is in good condition.
It’s important to remember that braces need regular monitoring and maintenance, and visiting the dentist regularly can help keep them in good condition. Moreover, it’s important to stay informed about the progress of the treatment and the changes that need to be made.
End of Treatment
The duration of the treatment depends on the complexity of the problem, but it can take anywhere from six months to two years. Once the treatment is complete, the dentist will remove the braces and the teeth should be in perfect alignment.
It’s important to follow the dentist’s advice diligently while wearing the braces. This will help you get the desired results and maintain good oral health in the long term.
Post Treatment Care
Once the braces are off, the dentist may suggest wearing a retainer. This will help keep the teeth in the correct position and help with the healing process. A retainer should be worn for at least six months.
Additionally, taking care of your teeth is important even after the braces are off. Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups should still be done.
It’s also important to limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and avoid habits like chewing on pens and pencils. Following these practices can help keep your teeth healthy after the braces come off.
Keep Braces in Good Condition
Taking care of the braces is also important during the course of treatment. Brackets can be worn out over time, thus it’s important to check them regularly and make sure that they are still in good condition.
If the braces are not in proper condition, they may not be able to align the teeth properly, which can lead to further complications. Taking care of the braces can help ensure that the treatment progresses as planned and that the teeth get aligned properly.
Summary
Drinking coffee with braces is possible if done with moderation. People should limit their consumption of sugary and acidic drinks and foods, as well as practice good oral hygiene.
Visiting the dentist regularly is also important during the course of the treatment, and once the braces come off. Following these practices can help keep the braces and teeth in good condition.
