It may seem crazy, but there are so many rumors out there about what’s good for your teeth, what’s bad for your teeth, what will make your teeth crooked, what will discolor your teeth, and so on. Below are are answers to some of the most frequent questions Dr. Moles and our staff at Moles Orthodontics always hear from patients. We hope you find this informational! Happy Tuesday!
Q: Which foods and drinks are actually healthy for my teeth?
A: Drinks: Water, Green Tea, Milk. Foods: Cheese, Celery, Kiwi’s, Onions, Parsley, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushrooms, Wasabi. To view information on why these are healthy for your teeth visit this helpful article.
Q: Can fingernail biting cause damage to my teeth? What about lip biting or biting the ends of pencils?
A: Chewing anything that’s not food and is not edible is never good for your teeth and its enamel.
Q: It’s said that the changing seasons can have an effect on your body and joints. Can the seasons changing also have an effect on the way my mouth feels, especially during orthodontic treatment?
A: There is no research that shows any connection with the seasons and braces. Patients with braces and joint problems may feel joint pain and confuse that with brace pain.
Q: Can hard candies or hard mints cause damage to my teeth?
A: Yes, Most definitely.
Q: Now that I’m wearing braces, I miss chewing gum. Can I still chew sugar-free gum with braces on?
A: No, You want to stay away from all GUM. No gum is ever good for treatment. It can slow your treatment up, by pushing wires in the wrong directions and contribute to breakage. Gum can also make your jaw much more sore than it already may feel.
Q: Is a soft toothbrush or a medium toothbrush better for my teeth and gums?
A: Soft, always choose a soft toothbrush. Its not how hard you brush, its how long you brush.
Q: Are spicy or acidic foods bad for my teeth?
A: Spicy foods are not bad for your teeth, although you may want to brush your teeth soon after as it can affect your breathe. Acidic foods and drinks on the other hand, can cause damage over time to your enamel, and wear it down.
Q: If I play sports and use a mouth guard can constantly biting down on the hard rubber eventually cause my teeth to shift and become crooked?
A: No, you would need constant pressure to move your teeth out of alignment. (example: 12-24 hours of constant pressure on your teeth , will begin to move them)
Q: If my wisdom teeth came in straight, do I still need to get them removed?
A: Some people prefer to have them removed because they can be hard to keep clean, which can lead to decay and more unnecessary plaque and bacteria in the mouth. If they do come in and have plenty of room, its perfectly okay to not have them removed. Most people find in their mouths there just isn’t enough room though.
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