Have you ever wondered why almost everyone seems to need braces nowadays? Evolutionary science and modern dentistry have pointed to a surprising culprit: our diet has become too soft.

Historically, the Kenyan diet consisted of fibrous, tough foods that required significant chewing force—maize, traditional vegetables, and roasted meats. This “exercise” for the jaw stimulated the bone to grow wide and strong, providing enough room for all 32 teeth.

The Modern Problem: Today, children are raised on “soft” processed foods—porridge, soft bread, smoothies, and ultra-processed snacks. When the jaw doesn’t “work” for its growth, it stays narrow. When the large adult teeth try to emerge into a narrow jaw, they have no choice but to overlap, rotate, or get “stuck” (impacted).

The Twinkle Advice: We encourage “Active Chewing.” Give your children whole apples instead of slices. Encourage them to eat fibrous vegetables like Managu or Terere. This natural mechanical stimulation is the best “pre-orthodontic” treatment nature provides. If you notice crowding early (around age 7), visit us for an interceptive assessment.