Show Welcome to Friday Focus! This week we’re going to be answering the question “Can you eat popsicles while wearing braces?” The answer is unequivocally yes. While chewing ice would be considered something to avoid while wearing braces, this isn’t the case when it comes to popsicles because they’re much softer. That said, you’ll still need to be careful because they are hard. Instead of just taking a straight bite out of a popsicle, just suck on it or thaw it out a bit before eating it. If you bite into a hard popsicle you run the risk of damaging your braces. Cold Foods and Pain ReliefLike ice packs, cold snacks like ice cream and popsicles can help relieve pain by numbing the mouth and reducing inflammation. That said, if you have sensitive teeth, you’ll want to avoid eating cold snacks or drinking cold fluids. As Often as Possible, Avoid Eating Sugary SnacksIt’s always best to avoid eating sweets as often as possible, especially during all orthodontic treatments. Eating sugar causes tooth decay and while you’re wearing braces, teeth are extremely susceptible. You can avoid most dental decay related problems if you consistently maintain healthy oral hygiene, brushing and flossing 2 to 3 times a day. A good idea is to carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you to work, etc., so you can brush your teeth whenever you eat (or drink something sugary) throughout the day. At the very least, carry a travel sized bottle of mouthwash with you and vigorously rinse your teeth after you consume anything. Your decision to get braces for you or your child is an important one, one that will yield beautiful results once treatment is completed. We’re here to make the process as comfortable and successful as possible. If you would like to find out more about your options when it comes to braces friendly foods, contact us today. Thumb sucking is actually a natural habit for young children. Approximately 90% of children between 2 to 3 years of age suck their thumbs. Thumb sucking only begins to affect a child once they reach 6 to 7 years of age because that’s when their permanent teeth start to come in. After the permanent teeth come in, thumb sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. Because of the way the thumb is forced against the inside of the upper front teeth, thumb sucking can cause several structural problems such as flaring the teeth outward. It can also cause an open bite, which is when the upper and lower teeth don’t make contact when the jaws are closed. This dental problem makes the simple act of eating/tearing foods like sandwiches, pizza, etc. challenging. While these types of problems typically correct themselves if the child stops sucking their thumb early on, the longer they continue the habit, the more likely it is that they’ll require orthodontic treatment to address their bite problems. Respiratory and speech issues are also side effects of thumb sucking. Children with a prolonged thumb sucking habit may end up with a lisp, thrust their tongue out when they talk and have trouble saying T’s and D’s. Addressing Thumb SuckingIf the child doesn’t stop sucking their thumb, orthodontic help might be required to correct the positioning of the teeth and align the jaws. If an open bite problem isn’t resolved while the child is growing, jaw surgery may be necessary. The best thing to do if prolonged thumb sucking is a problem is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to have them help break your child’s thumb sucking habit. Treatment could vary from recommending products that taste bad (a thumb sucking/nail biting liquid deterrent) to fitting a palatal appliance that can keep the thumb from pushing on their teeth. If you’re concerned about the effects that thumb sucking may be having on your child’s teeth, schedule a consultation with E&S Orthodontics today. Download Article Download Article Braces can be used to correct crooked teeth, overbites, and other orthodontic issues. However, braces can be painful and unsightly. There are measures you can take to reduce you risk for needing braces. You can also use alternative methods to correct any issues with your teeth.
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