Benefits of Drinking Coffee with Braces
Wearing braces is often seen as a necessary evil that individuals have to sustain in order to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. While having braces can surely be a bit uncomfortable while they are being worn, they are still greatly beneficial in the long run – as long as you take the necessary steps to maintain them.
Another familiar dilemma faced by many people with braces is whether or not drinking coffee is safe and beneficial. After all, consuming coffee can be naturally beneficial for your overall health – but how does this fit in with braces? Should you continue drinking coffee, or should it be avoided altogether?
First and foremost, it’s important to speak to your orthodontist about your coffee-related doubts and preferences. That being said, it’s important to note that coffee is generally safe to consume in moderation when you are wearing braces.
Advice From Orthodontists
Simply put, any type of food or drink that is capable of staining your teeth also has the potential to stain your braces and bands – not just coffee or tea. In addition, it’s important to cut down on any sugary drinks or carbonated beverages while you have braces. It’s not necessarily the caffeine that’s a problem with coffee – it’s the way that braces can make the staining worse due to the porcelain or ceramic appliance
Drinking coffee with braces does not generally be problematic as long as you practice proper oral hygiene on a regular basis. Be sure to brush your teeth each and every day, floss when your orthodontist recommends, and rinse with water or mouth rinse every time you eat or drink something to help prevent staining.
If you find that your teeth become easily stained or discolored while you have braces, you may want to give up coffee or tea completely. This can be a great option if you happen to have a darker shade of bracket or tinted ceramic or porcelain bands.
Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
There are numerous health benefits associated with drinking coffee, yet many of these can be overshadowed by the potential risks of consuming coffee while wearing braces. That said, the truth remains that drinking a moderate amount of coffee in combination with good oral hygiene habits can be beneficial for your overall dental health.
When you consume coffee with braces, the caffeine can actually help in balancing your pH level inside your mouth, in addition to aiding in boosting your immune system and overall energy levels. If you are thorough and diligent about brushing away any residue that can accumulate on your teeth and braces due to drinking coffee, you should be able to avoid any stains or discolorations. Likewise, ensure that you regularly rinse your mouth after any type of sugary beverage.
Benefits of Avoiding Coffee With Braces
Avoiding coffee while wearing braces has its own set of benefits as well. By skipping coffee and opting for alternate drink choices such as water, juice, and homemade smoothies, you can eliminate staining or any potential discoloration of your bands and braces. Not to mention, avoiding coffee can be much easier on your wallet as well.
If you want to continue drinking coffee, however, there are ways to minimize its effects on your braces. For example, opt for cold brews instead of hot coffee and never add cream or sugar. Use sugar-free sweeteners if you like, as this will lower the risk of any possible staining that can occur as a result of drinking coffee.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces
No matter what type of beverage you consume, maintaining good oral hygiene is always critical in cases where you have metal brackets, wires, and bands in your mouth. Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly twice a day, and floss regularly. Remember to rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash whenever you drink or eat anything. If necessary, consider using a fluoride-based toothpaste that is specifically designed for people with braces.
Additionally, it’s important to show up to all of your scheduled checkups with you orthodontist so that any minor problems that arise can be professionally resolved before they cause more severe issues. Speaking with your orthodontist about any doubts or concerns you may have, such as whether or not you should avoid coffee while wearing braces, is also important.
Alternatives to Drinking Coffee With Braces
If you don’t feel comfortable drinking coffee with braces, there are plenty of alternatives that you can choose from instead. These include water, fresh-pressed juices, and homemade smoothies. All of these options are healthier and far less likely to cause staining or discoloration.
Carbonated beverages should also be avoided, as they are just as likely to cause staining on your teeth and braces as coffee is. Be sure to opt for sugar-free drink options that are specifically designed for people with braces, such as sugar-free energy drinks. Soy-based juices, almond milk, and herbal teas are excellent additional drink choices.
Finding the Right Balance
In conclusion, it’s important to find the right balance when it comes to coffee drinking and braces. While it’s generally safe to consume coffee in moderation, it’s better to avoid it altogether if you are worried about staining or discoloration on your teeth or existing braces.
If you do decide to keep drinking coffee while wearing braces, make sure to practice excellent oral hygiene on a daily basis. Brush and floss regularly, as well as rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash whenever possible.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no black and white answer when it comes to drinking coffee with braces. As with many other dietary choices, it’s important to enjoy coffee (or any other beverage) in moderation. Speak to your orthodontist if you have any doubts or concerns. Follow the advice of your orthodontist and maintain excellent oral hygiene, and you should be able to enjoy the benefits of drinking coffee – both with and without braces.
