The start of braces means the start of new habits. Brushing after each meal and visiting your orthodontist every six weeks or so are a few obvious ones that come to mind. But there is one best practice that patients often forget: prioritizing a vitamin-rich diet. Not only will this keep your immune system strong, but it will also keep your teeth healthy and capable of undergoing orthodontic treatment. With this in mind, read on to learn about six essential vitamins for patients with braces.
#1. Calcium
Calcium doesn’t just promote healthy bones; it promotes healthy teeth too! Furthermore, it protects your teeth from decay and plays an essential role in helping prevent gum disease. If that wasn’t reason enough, it also aids the healing process as your teeth adjust to the pressure of your braces.
Foods that are high in Calcium include cheese, leafy greens, yogurt, milk, almonds, and beans.
#2. Magnesium
Magnesium provides many benefits, including the fact that it supports normal muscle function and helps keep your bones strong. In relation to your orthodontic treatment, it promotes the healthy formation of your jaw and gum tissue. So, it’s not hard to see why orthodontists recommend focusing on this essential vitamin!
Foods that are high in Magnesium include fish, nuts and seeds, whole grains, bananas, and dark chocolate.
#3. Iron
Braces have advanced significantly thanks to innovations in both the field of orthodontics and technology in general. Still, the sharp edges can rub up against the soft tissue in your mouth, causing irritation. Fortunately, iron can help! This mineral keeps inflammation at bay and prevents mouth sores.
Foods that are high in Iron include spinach, soybeans, lentils, Bran cereals, dark chocolate, and spinach.
#4. Vitamin A
Did you know that saliva can rinse away bacteria, prevent bad breath, and protect your enamel? It’s true! Vitamin A can aid saliva flow, maintaining a healthy mouth in the process. Plus, it supports bone health.
Foods that are high in Vitamin A include eggs, melons, sweet potatoes, yellow fruits, eggs, and Skim Milk.
#5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C aids both your oral and overall health. It’s especially beneficial during orthodontic treatment because it helps prevent bleeding and inflammation. Even better, it can aid the healing process of any existing wounds you have in your mouth.
Foods that are high in Vitamin C include oranges, tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, red and green peppers, and winter squash.
#6. Vitamin D
A Vitamin D deficiency can do much more than cause bone loss; it can also result in burning mouth syndrome! This unpleasant condition can cause a burning sensation on your tongue and the roof of your mouth, which can be especially uncomfortable when you have braces. One of the best ways to boost your Vitamin D levels is by spending some time in the sun.
Foods that are high in Vitamin D include yogurt, milk, cheese, egg yolks, and fish.
When you first get braces, you may initially focus on what you can’t eat. However, it’s more important to focus on all of the vitamin-rich foods you can!
About the Practice
For our team at Super Braces, the goal is always to provide patients with straight teeth, a beautiful smile, and pristine oral health. That’s why we focus on braces and how you care for your mouth during treatment. If you have a question about what you should eat with braces or would like to schedule an appointment, then get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (508) 755-2207.