Braces Care
Brushing
Hold your brush at a straight angle and use circular, vibrating motions.
Clean between your braces and gums by angling the brush down (upper jaw) and up (lower jaw) while using small circular motions. Use your same toothbrush from before braces were placed. We will direct you to a better toothbrush if the tooth cleaning is not acceptable during treatment. We assess tooth brushing at every appointment and will reinstruct you as treatment continues.
An interdental toothbrush makes brushing around wires and between teeth easier.They’re available at our office and most grocery stores. There is some evidence that automatic toothbrushes, such as Sonicare, may clean teeth better than a regular toothbrush during orthodontic treatment.
Flossing
We recommend flossing once a day by pulling the floss under the archwire and gently moving it up and down the sides of both teeth. Floss threaders make flossing easier and faster. They’re available at our office and most grocery stores.
Foods
If it crunches or sticks it’s bad for your braces and can cause the brace to detach from your tooth. This will mean a longer treatment time.
If it has a lot of sugar, it’s bad for your teeth and can cause more cavities!
Some Foods to Avoid with Braces
Whole Pears – slice first
Corn on the cob – corn off the cob tastes just as great
Carrots – cooked is better, raw is okay if sliced thin
Ribs & Chicken Wings – cut the meat from the bone
Hard bread rolls
Hard taco shells – the Doritos Taco is a double avoid!
Pretzels
Pizza crust
Chips – if it ends in “O” it’s a no (Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos, Nachos…)
Starburst
Skittles
Snickers
Nerds Rope
Candy Canes
Lollipops
Fruit roll-ups
Gummy candies
Tootsie Rolls
Hard cookies – dip them in milk first
Peanut brittle
Nuts
Sunflower seeds
Hard cereal – Captain Crunch (if “Crunch” is in the name, don’t eat it)
Popcorn
Licorice
Caramels
Taffy
Fingernails
Pens and pencils
Packages – scissors work better
Soda – weakens teeth, causes more decay and permanent white spots