The short answer to whether you can drink pop with braces is that it is strongly discouraged. Braces are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth, representing a significant investment. Their presence complicates oral hygiene because the wires and brackets create numerous tiny surfaces where liquids, food particles, and bacteria easily become trapped. Consuming soft drinks introduces two distinct chemical threats that rapidly accelerate potential damage.
The Dual Threat: Acid and Sugar
Soft drinks pose a dual threat to tooth enamel, regardless of whether they contain sugar. The first danger is the inherent acidity of the beverage itself, measured by its pH level. Most sodas have a pH ranging between 2.5 and 3.5, which is highly acidic.
Enamel begins to erode when the mouth’s pH drops below approximately 5.5. This low pH causes an immediate chemical attack, dissolving the minerals that provide the enamel’s protective structure. This erosion is driven by the phosphoric, citric, and carbonic acids present in soft drinks.
The second threat is the sugar content found in regular pop, which acts as fuel for oral bacteria. These bacteria consume the carbohydrates and excrete acid as a metabolic byproduct, accelerating the decay process. With braces, the wires and brackets trap this sugary residue and acid against the teeth for prolonged periods. This creates a localized, highly acidic environment that saliva struggles to neutralize.
Specific Damage to Teeth and Appliances
The most common and permanent consequence of poor diet with braces is decalcification, appearing as white spots on the teeth. This damage occurs when acid and plaque constantly strip away minerals from the enamel around the edges of the brackets. Once the braces are removed, the areas previously covered by the appliance are healthy, but the surrounding exposed enamel is permanently scarred by these white marks.
These white spots represent the earliest stage of tooth decay, making the affected areas highly vulnerable. The trapped sugar and acid create prime conditions for cavity formation, especially in the hard-to-clean spaces next to or under the bracket adhesive. This decay requires restorative dental work, often delaying the removal of the braces or extending treatment time.
The physical appliance is also susceptible to damage from frequent pop consumption. High acidity can weaken the adhesive bond that secures the bracket to the tooth surface. A weakened bond can lead to loose or broken brackets, necessitating an unscheduled visit for re-bonding. Additionally, the dark coloring of some sodas can stain the rubber elastic ties that hold the wire in place, causing visible discoloration until the next adjustment appointment.
Mitigation Strategies and Safer Alternatives
Because the damage is primarily driven by acidity, opting for diet pop does not eliminate the risk, as it remains highly acidic. Diet varieties contain the same low pH and still actively erode the enamel. The goal should be to minimize the duration and extent of contact between the acidic liquid and your teeth and appliances.
If you choose to consume pop on a rare occasion, drinking it quickly through a straw can help bypass some of the teeth, reducing surface contact. Avoid sipping the drink over an extended period, as this maintains a constant state of acid attack. Following consumption, immediately rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water to help neutralize the acid and wash away sugar residue.
It is important to resist the urge to brush your teeth immediately after drinking pop. The acid temporarily softens the enamel, and brushing at this time can physically scrub away the softened layer, worsening the erosion. Instead, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before performing your regular brushing routine.
The safest and most recommended beverages during orthodontic treatment are:
- Plain water.
- Milk.
- Unsweetened, plain iced tea.
- Sugar-free sparkling water that does not contain added flavorings or citric acid.