Habits, we all have them.
According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary the definition of a Habit is: an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary. (Click here for full definition).
We typically associate the word “habit” with the word “bad” but not all habits have to be. Why not create your own, new, healthy habits and improve your smile in the process. Good habits can be just as addictive as bad habits but much more rewarding!
Bad habits to stop once you get braces
- Crunching on ice – Brackets will come off your tooth.
- Chewing on pens and pencils and/or your nails – This will bend your archwire and can loosen a bracket.
- Eating sticky or hard foods – Bands on your teeth will slip off.
- Big bites of food (i.e. apples, meats, handfuls of crackers, etc.) –One big bite could potentially displace several brackets at the same time.
- Picking at your teeth – You could dislodge a bracket along with that pesky food.
New healthy habits
- Drink with a straw.
- Cut food into smaller, softer pieces.
- Wear a mouth guard if you play a sport.
- Carry around floss, wax, and extra elastic bands.
- Prepare your lunch the night before to avoid getting foods that may displace your appliances.
- Hide or throw away all of the foods you shouldn’t eat to avoid temptation.
If you already practice these healthy habits and want to know how you can increase chances of early removal from your braces, see our previous blog post by clicking the following link: Shorten Treatment Time for Braces!