If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’ve likely been given a list of foods to avoid to protect your braces or aligners and ensure successful treatment. Soft drinks are often at the top of that list, and for good reason.

Here’s why soda and other sugary drinks can be damaging to your orthodontic treatment.

What Happens When You Drink Soft Drinks?

When you consume soft drinks, the sugar in the drink reacts with the bacteria in your mouth to form an acid. This acid attacks the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay over time.

Additionally, the acid from soda can damage the adhesive that holds brackets and wires in place on your teeth.

This can cause brackets to become dislodged or wires to loosen, which can prolong your orthodontic treatment or even require emergency appointments to fix.

Soft drinks can also stain your teeth and the clear aligners used in some orthodontic treatments, which can affect the appearance of your smile and make your treatment less effective.

The Risks of Drinking Soft Drinks During Orthodontic Treatment

When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’re investing a significant amount of time and money to achieve a straight, healthy smile. Drinking soft drinks can sabotage those efforts and compromise your dental health.

Here are some of the risks associated with consuming soda during orthodontic treatment:.

Tooth decay:

The high sugar content in soda and other soft drinks can lead to cavities and tooth decay, which can jeopardize your dental health and even require fillings or other restorative treatments.

Dislodged or damaged brackets and wires:

The acid in soft drinks can weaken the adhesive that holds brackets and wires in place, which can increase the risk of damage or breakage. This can also prolong your treatment time or require emergency appointments to fix.

Stained teeth and aligners:

The dark color of soda can stain both your natural teeth and clear aligners, which can affect the appearance of your smile and weaken the efficacy of your orthodontic treatment.

Root resorption:

When the roots of your teeth are reabsorbed into your body, it can lead to tooth loss and other dental issues.

Some studies have shown a link between consuming soft drinks and increased risk of root resorption, which can be especially concerning for those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

What Should You Drink Instead?

If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and looking for a beverage that won’t harm your braces or aligners, here are some options to consider:.

Water:

Plain water is always a safe and healthy option, especially for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. Drinking water can help wash away bacteria and food particles, and it won’t damage your braces or aligners.

Milk:

Drinking milk is a good way to get calcium for strong teeth and bones. However, be cautious of sugary flavored milk drinks.

Natural fruit juices:

If you’re looking for a flavorful beverage, natural fruit juices can be a good option. Just be sure to choose juices without added sugar.

Diet soda:

While diet soda still contains acid that can damage your enamel, it contains less sugar and fewer calories than regular soda. However, it’s still better to avoid soda completely.

Conclusion

Drinking soft drinks can be tempting, especially on a hot day or when you’re out with friends, but it’s important to consider the impact that soda can have on your orthodontic treatment and dental health.

By choosing healthier beverages like water, milk, or natural fruit juices, you can protect your braces or aligners and achieve the beautiful, straight smile you’ve been working towards.