True or False

For many years it's been said that gum takes seven years to digest, but this isn't exactly true. It takes the same amount of time as regular food items. The only difference in gum and other foods is that your body can not break gum down, hence where the indigestible part comes in. Just because your body can't break down gum, doesn't mean that it lingers in your stomach for seven years. Gum is eliminated as human waste in the same way - and at the same rate - as any other swallowed matter. *REMINDER: You shouldn't be chewing gum with braces. :-)

Data is courtesy of Discovery Fit & Health. Read the entire article here.

Say No to Hard, Gooey, Sticky and Chewy Foods!

Braces are fragile and can be easily damaged by certain foods. Avoid foods that are hard, gooey, sticky or chewy as well as foods high in sugar.

Foods to Avoid:

·         Pizza crust

·         Hard rolls, pretzels, bagels and bones

·         Popcorn

·         Nuts

·         Raw carrots

·         Caramel candy, jellybeans and all gums

·         Suckers

·         Ice

·         Corn-on-the-cob and apples (You may cut them

       up rather than biting into them)

It may seem like you have to avoid every type of food during treatment, but there are a few alternatives. One alternative is by doing Invisalign® as opposed to traditional metal braces. Foods that cause loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets aren't an issue with Invisalign because aligners are completely removable to eat and drink whatever you’d like. Regardless of your treatment method, most everyone experiences soreness and tenderness after an adjustment, which makes eating a little less enjoyable.

Post-Adjustment and Braces-Safe Foods:

·         Pudding

·         Mashed potatoes

·         Soup

·         Ice cream

·         Cottage cheese

·         Peas

·         Pancakes

·         Pasta

·         Cooked vegetables

·         Rice

·         Soft fruits

·         Shakes and smoothies

The more loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets you have during treatment, the longer you will stay in treatment. So keep that in mind when you go to bite into a delicious caramelized apple. Use your best judgment and remember—if it’s hard, gooey, sticky or chewy, you need to avoid it and eat something that’s braces-safe. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, give us a call at (205) 664-4140 to schedule a consultation with the top Invisailgn® and InvisalignTeen® provider in Alabama, Dr. Brandon Boggan. Our goal at Orthodontics South is to look at where you want to be in terms of your perfect smile now and for years to come so give us a call or check us out online by clicking here so we can help make your orthodontic experience the best it can be.