Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • November 6, 2013 Make smart food choices when wearing braces Getting braces is a rite of passage for many children. The American Association of Orthodontics estimates more than 3.5 million children ages eight to 17 wear braces in a given year. While some children cannot wait to get braces to correct problems with crooked teeth, others are a bit nervous about the experience. When braces are in place, it helps to know the dos and don’ts of maintaining braces, including which foods can be comfortably eaten and which should be avoided. Braces use a series of brackets and wires to treat maloc- clusion, a Latin term that translates to “bad bite.” The wires used today are smaller and stronger than they used to be, which has helped to shorten the length of time that braces may need to be worn. There also are braces that can be worn behind the teeth or are the same color as the teeth, minimizing the appear- ance of the braces. Many brackets are cemented to the teeth with an imper- manent product that is designed to be durable while the braces are worn. When the braces need to be removed, the cement is scraped off, leaving no damage to the teeth. But it doesn’t take much force to remove these brackets from the teeth, necessitating repairs. Certain foods can break brackets or bend wires, while others can get stuck in rubber bands used when wearing braces. Monitoring diet can prolong the life of the braces and shorten the amount of time they need to be worn. Hard foods, such as nuts, ice cubes, apples, and crunchy crusts, can damage the fragile components of the braces. Sticky foods, such as caramel, gummy candies, gum, and taffy, can pull apart braces or get wrapped around the hard- ware, making for a difficult time cleaning the teeth. Simi- larly, sweet foods, including some fruits that are high in sugar, can feed bacteria on the teeth. Braces make it more difficult to clean the teeth effectively, so consuming exces- sive amounts of sugar may result in decay. Small foods also can become lodged in between brack- ets and wires. When such foods are not removed, they can promote bacteria growth and cavities. It is important to maintain scheduled professional dental cleanings when you are wearing braces. Regular brushing and using small devices designed to get into the crevices created by the braces can help keep teeth clean. When eating, cut foods into bite-sized pieces to avoid having to bite down into them. Many foods, such as chicken wings, ribs, or corn on the cob, can be enjoyed by those wearing braces so long as they are eaten with a fork. Apples also can be sliced and eaten. Here are the foods that those with braces may want to avoid: • Hard pizza crust • Popcorn • Bagels • Hard candies • Chips and other crunchy snacks • Peanut brittle • Nuts • Raw carrots • Pretzels • Candy • Gum • Beef jerky • Hard tacos • Soda and sugary soft drinks Some people wear braces for a few months, while others must wear them for a few years. Keeping teeth clean and avoiding problem foods promotes dental health and makes maintenance easier.