T L C for Braces

 

Now that your appliances and braces are in place, it is just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as it was before. Braces, wires, appliances and retainers all can trap food particles, making them what we call a plaque trap. Careful brushing and flossing regularly is critical after every meal to ensure no plaque buildup, tooth decay and white spots. Here are a few helpful tips for caring for the health of your mouth and orthodontic appliances:

 

Brushing and Flossing

Brush often, preferably after every meal or snack using a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss every day, and we like to recommend every night to ensure proper time can be spent flossing every tooth.

Soft Foods are Better

Eating softer foods can help with any biting pressures you may experience. Such as: soups, soft pasta, stew, macaroni & cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.

Bite Size is Always Better

Cut and break your larger food items into smaller, bite sized pieces to lessen the wear and make it easier to chew with braces. Think the size of a quarter!

Avoiding Sticky Foods

Avoiding sticky foods will ensure the brackets stay in place and no broken wires or other appliances will occur. Candies such as: caramel candies, taffy/toffee, starbursts, gum, jelly beans, tootsie rolls, gummy bears, etc.

Avoiding Hard/Crunchy Foods

Same with sticky foods, items that are hard and crunchy will put too much pressure and wear on your braces, wires and other appliances. Items like: Ice, popcorn, nuts, corn chips, jerky, crusty bread or toasted bread, pretzels, etc.

Avoiding Sugary and Acidic Foods

Drink with caution, it is very important to brush after drinking or eating the following or at the very least rinsing with water. Items like: soft drinks, sports drinks, lemons, candy, cookies, etc.

Foods to Eat With Caution

Always remember to cut your chicken or any other meat off of the bone, cut your raw vegetables and fruits into smaller bites and cut the corn off the cob to ensure less pressure on your braces.

 

And remember…Keep everything except food out of your mouth! Playing with your braces or wires with your fingers and your tongue will put to much pressure on your braces. Please call our office with any questions or concerns!

 

(425) 823-1234           www.nealsmiles.com           

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