Beverages That Are Bad For Braces

When being treated at Bailey Orthodontics, patients are encouraged to make necessary to make diet modifications to protect the braces and to ensure the health of the tissues in the mouth. It is advised by Dr. Bailey to avoid or completely eliminate a list of beverages during treatment for this reason.

Drinks suggestive of causing dental decay by your dentist should be restricted while having braces on. This includes drinks high in sugar and acid. If high sugary food is to be consumed, it is limited to meal times or once in a day. The mouth produces more saliva during meals which, in turn help to neutralize the acids and rinse food from mouth. In between snacks should be confined to those without refined sugar and avoided if possible.

• Fizzy/ soft drinks – sodas especially cola 
• Sports drinks – isotonic and energy drinks 
• Fruit juices – lemon juice has citric acid 
• Sweetened liquids – syrup and honey 

What drinks are safe?
Water from the tap is proven to be the best. It is a natural source and is rich in fluoride. 6-8 glasses of water per day will keep you away from sugary drinks and fatty foods high in sugar. It helps to wash away food coloring and chemicals and sugars consumed from soda. This feature is absent with mineral water. Milk is another alternative, low in sugar and acids, with an added benefit high in calcium, keeping your teeth and bone strong and healthy. Drinks like 7up do not have these acids.