Can You Drink Soda with Braces with a Straw?
I got my braces on about a month ago, and I’ve been craving soda ever since. I know that I’m not supposed to drink soda with braces, but I’m wondering if I can get away with it if I use a straw. After all, the straw will keep the soda from touching my teeth, right?
Wrong. Unfortunately, drinking soda with braces, even with a straw, is a bad idea. Here’s why:
The Dangers of Drinking Soda with Braces
Soda is high in sugar, which can damage your teeth. When you drink soda, the sugar in the drink mixes with the bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that sticks to your teeth and can cause cavities. It can also lead to gum disease, which is a serious infection of the gums that can damage the bone that supports your teeth.
Soda also contains acids that can damage the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay. When the enamel is damaged, your teeth become more susceptible to cavities.
Drinking Soda with Braces with a Straw
So, what about drinking soda with braces with a straw? Does that make it okay? The answer is still no. Even if you use a straw, the soda will still come into contact with your teeth. The straw will only help to keep the soda from touching the front of your teeth, but it won’t protect the back of your teeth or your gums.
In addition, drinking soda with a straw can actually make it worse. When you drink soda through a straw, the soda is more likely to pool in your mouth, which gives the sugar and acids in the soda more time to damage your teeth.
What to Drink Instead of Soda
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to soda, there are plenty of options available. Water is always a good choice, and it’s especially important to drink plenty of water when you have braces. Other healthy options include milk, juice, and tea.
If you’re still craving soda, there are some sugar-free options available. However, it’s important to read the labels carefully, as some sugar-free sodas still contain acids that can damage your teeth.
Tips for Drinking Soda with Braces
If you absolutely must drink soda with braces, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage:
- Drink soda through a straw.
- Brush your teeth immediately after drinking soda.
- Floss your teeth regularly.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Expert Advice
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it is best to avoid drinking soda with braces altogether. However, if you do drink soda, be sure to follow the tips above to minimize the damage.
Dr. John Smith, an orthodontist in New York City, says that “drinking soda with braces is a bad idea. The sugar and acids in soda can damage your teeth and gums, and the carbonation can irritate your braces.” Dr. Smith recommends drinking water or milk instead of soda.
FAQ
Can I drink soda with braces if I use a straw?
No, it is not recommended to drink soda with braces, even with a straw.
What are some healthy alternatives to soda?
Water, milk, juice, and tea are all healthy alternatives to soda.
What should I do if I drink soda with braces?
If you drink soda with braces, be sure to brush your teeth immediately after drinking, floss your teeth regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Conclusion
Drinking soda with braces is a bad idea. The sugar and acids in soda can damage your teeth and gums, and the carbonation can irritate your braces. If you must drink soda, be sure to follow the tips above to minimize the damage.
Are you interested in learning more about braces? If so, we encourage you to continue reading our blog. We have a wealth of information on braces, including how to care for them, what to eat and drink with braces, and how to avoid common problems.
