This is a common question that many braces and Line-M-Up™ patients have!
A lot of people enjoy energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster on a regular basis, and they’ll wonder during initial consultations if they can continue these habits throughout their braces or Line-M-Up™ treatment.
The truth is that these types of high-sugar beverages can pose detrimental effects on an orthodontic patient’s smile, and below we’ll be going over why it’s generally recommended to avoid energy drinks throughout your treatment process.
Can You Still Have Energy Drinks While Wearing Braces?
The biggest issue with energy drinks is that they tend to entail incredibly high levels of acidity and sugar. Although you may get an energy boost from the caffeine and added sugar within these beverages, it’s important to remember that the acids can erode tooth enamel and the sugars can increase bacterial plaque buildup. This effect is referred to as decalcification, and increased plaque levels can lead to many different oral health problems.
This type of decalcification is particularly troubling for braces patients, because acids and sugar from energy drinks can very easily get trapped within wires and brackets.
What About Line-M-Up™, Is It Better For Energy Drinks?
Although Line-M-Up™ patients must maintain the routine of removing their trays before eating and drinking, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re exempt from the many detrimental effects of sugar and acid on teeth. Energy drink contents can undoubtedly still accumulate on a Line-M-Up™ patient’s gums and teeth, and this is partly due to the sheer abundance of sugar found in these beverages.
This is why it’s so important for Line-M-Up™ patients to carry an oral hygiene kit with them on a daily basis, because you’ll need to floss/brush your teeth on top of rinsing out your aligner trays after every snack and beverage.
Consider Some Healthier Drinking Habits During Your Orthodontic Treatment
We understand how difficult it can be for people to stop drinking energy drinks cold turkey, and in general it’s perfectly fine if you enjoy these types of sugary beverages every now and again throughout your treatment. However, it’s absolutely critical that you thoroughly floss/brush your teeth and rinse your mouth and aligners when enjoying these types of beverages during treatment. Another good idea for orthodontic patients to consider is sipping energy drinks out of a straw to avoid sugary acid abrasion against your teeth.
It’s also important to remember that sports drinks like Powerade and Gatorade need to be limited during orthodontic treatment due to their high acidity/sugar levels as well. But the good news is that orthodontic treatment is often a great reason to kick certain bad habits like energy drink consumption for even long after treatment ends.
Some healthier alternatives to energy drinks for mid-day slumps include iced or hot green tea. Green tea will surely provide the energy boost that you’re looking for due to its moderate levels of natural caffeine, but it’ll also provide a ton of antioxidants to keep you feeling great throughout the day.
Contact JK Orthodontics To Learn More About The Foods & Drinks That Should Be Avoided During Orthodontic Treatment!
JK Orthodontics has supported countless teenagers and adults throughout Central Ohio over the past 30 years, so we understand how important it is to kick energy drink habits while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Contact us online or call us at 614-766-0330 (Dublin office) or 614-471-6355 (Gahanna office) to speak with our team today about planning you or your child’s consultation appointment with Dr. Karpac!