The sun is shining, the birds are singing and we are in the midst of a beautiful summer. With kids off from school and schedules looking a bit lighter for the season, many people are taking some well deserved vacation time. Whenever we take time off, resisting sugary treats always seems to be a bit harder. While it wouldn’t be summer without ice cream and a few frozen drinks, it’s important to stay mindful of what sugar can do to your mouth! If you or your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, maintaining your oral hygiene routine is even more important! 

How Sugar Affects Your Smile

As stated by Colgate, the main concern with consuming sugar is the bacteria that’s produced after eating a sweet treat. During the process, the same bacteria that breaks down sugar releases an acid in your mouth. Over time, this acid weakens tooth enamel and inevitably leads to cavities and tooth decay if you eat excess amounts of sugar, or don’t follow the proper oral hygiene routine. 

Consuming Sugar With Braces

For those with braces, sugar can be a large concern if it’s not cleaned properly from your appliance. To avoid bacteria and acid living in your mouth for a long period of time, those with braces should try to complete their oral hygiene routine right after indulging in a sweet. Since there are many tricky areas for food and sugar to get caught, it’s very important to be extra cautious, and take your time with brushing and flossing. We recommend looking in the mirror afterwards to check your job and make sure there’s no lingering food debris! For more tips on how to brush your teeth with braces, visit our blog post Five Hygiene Tips for Kids With Braces.

Questions? Visit One Of Our GTA Locations! 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s orthodontic treatment or oral health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Visit us at our Richmond Hill, Markham, and/or Stouffville dental office, and we can ensure your child gets a head start with their smile. We offer a variety of services such as cleanings, fillings,  braces, extractions and have thorough training on how to best serve children with special needs! Fill out our contact form to request an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you soon!