Metal Mouth Message Board

Got braced today! Front teeth are fluctuating between super sensitive and just feeling pressure - but otherwise not having a whole lot of issues I wasn't prepared for, thanks to you guys!

Just gotta deal with it all now! LOL

I do have a few questions though!

I was told to limit carbonated intake to one drink per week - even if it's diet! I don't recall reading *anything* about this before hand, and was really shocked! I don't know if I can deal with caffeine headaches along with these things! Does anyone have any suggestions on anything other than water (I drink 3 liters a day as it is) and the flavor packets you can put into it?

They recommended a fluoride rinse (Phos-Flur) once a day. Is there a big difference between brand names or can I get away with a generic brand for this?

Because I can't bite down on any quadrant without hitting brackets they recommended a soft diet only, until after the appliance is done with (early 2011, I hope!). So I'll be checking out the books recommended here. Does anyone have any websites that also have good recipes or suggestions?

Thanks very much all, and I'm excited, but really nervous about having started this whole situation!!!

I wouldn't sweat the carbonated drink ban too much. While you should avoid soda because it's bad for you, it's not going to kill you to have a Coke more than once a week.

Drink with a straw.

As for the flouride rinse, compare the active ingredients between the selections. For example, you can buy store brand ibuprofen instead of Motrin because the active ingredient is 200 mg ibu's...

Good soft foods...can't go wrong with pasta, pot pies, soups, pb&j on fresh bread, grilled cheese, smoothies, chicken cut up small etc. I don't think it will be as bad as you think though, you will be able better soon.

Thanks guys! Looking forward to a day when this stuff is old hat, instead of fresh and unfamiliar!

I have had my braces for 2 months now, and I drink at least 1 Diet Coke each day. I am meticulous about my brushing and flossing though

Heather

I've had my braces for over 14 months now. Like you, I followed the "no soda" ban. After a while, I caved in. As long as you brush immediately after you finish, it really shouldn't be a problem.

Take from someone who is addicted to candy! Brush immediately afterwards.

Best of luck on your new journey!

I also tried to follow the soda ban, but I caved. I try to drink with a straw as much as possible, and am also very meticulous about my hygiene.

However, I was told that you shouldn't brush immediately after drinking a soda, because of the acid that's left on your teeth. If anything, maybe rinse with water thoroughly before brushing. Or, if you can't brush at all for a while after drinking soda, at least rinse your mouth out.

I'm drinking a diet coke right now.

if you have strong enamel coke is not a prob every day , i was in braces an headgear over five years, an i would drink two a day or more plus tea , cokes will make the enamel softer , yes use the phos-flur brand the others taste nasty , i used it every day , not a white spot or cavity while in braces , i was told to rinse after drinking a soda an wait a hour before brushing as the enamel is softened by soda , not sure it's true but i did , ANYWAY i was out of braces two years had some gaps , an a bit of tipping even with bonded retainers an upper an lower hawleys , has got me back in BRACES again for TWO years , so i'm back with the phos-flur again , it just works for me , thought i'd throw my two cents worth in , have a great YA'LL

Why not drink carbonated drinks at all and just drink water?

Water > Soda

Both my dentist and my ortho instructed me to use Phos-Flur once a day. I had a prescription for it - don't know if it's available over the counter. No one mentioned limiting carbonated beverages to me.

symphonix wrote:Why not drink carbonated drinks at all and just drink water?

Water > Soda

it's kind of like people drinking beer an wine an smoking , i dont but some do

I wouldn't think the carbonation is what you should be worried about its the sugar.

In other words, diet sodas shouldn't be a problem. I do realize the acid is still present in diet sodas, but from what I understand its the sugar is what feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. The acid will soften the enamel but will not cause cavities without the presence of sugar.

Someone correct me if I am wrong though...

oh man are you saying suger babbies arn't good for you eather he he he

You know, my ortho never said anything about not drinking diet coke, all he said was that coffee, tea, and some things with large amounts of artificial colorings may stain ligs. I did wonder about the carbonation but I am thinking if there's no sugar it's not a big deal? I didn't get any cavities while my braces were on, and oddly enough not when I was wearing my retainer fulltime either.

I've been drinking everything except coffee - I'm concerned about the temp because I love HOT coffee, but taking it out every time I drink something wouldn't be very effective. If I only had to wear it at night maybe but I had called the office and they said 24/7 lol.