Life with Braces
Caring for Your Braces
Now that your braces are on, you must be sure to brush your teeth and gums better than ever before. Extra care must be taken in the area between the gums and the brackets. We call this area the danger zone. Food and plaque that collects around the appliances can cause:
- stains
- cavities
- puffy gums
- unpleasant odors
It is therefore vital that your teeth be kept extremely clean. Brush after every meal: don't rush your brush! Floss each night at bedtime. We recommend the following helpful devices (all available at your pharmacy):
- A good, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Electric toothbrushes: especially the Sonicare, or the Oral-B plaque removal system.
- Super Floss or Floss Threaders.
- Proxa-brush.
- Oral irrigation devices: such as the Water-Pik device.
- Orthodontic Wax for mouth irritations.
- Fluoride-containing mouthrinse (daily formula: .05% Fluoride).
There will be some discomfort after each visit, which will last from 24 to 72 hours. Tylenol, or ibuprofen (ie: Advil) should be comforting if necessary.
Common sense will tell you what you should and shouldn't eat, but the following list includes things that should never be eaten while your braces are on:
- Hard, Brittle Foods, such as:
- ice
- pizza crust
- taco chips
- peanuts, sunflower seeds
- popcorn
- hard candy
- Soft, Sticky Foods, such as:
- chewing gum (even the "non-stick" kind)
- caramels and toffee
- Acidic Foods, such as:
- Cola
- lemons, limes
Certain foods can be eaten if they are prepared a special way. Whole fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots should be sliced and eaten carefully. Hard, crusty breads should be broken up and eaten in small pieces. Corn should be sliced off the cob before eating. Keep pencils, pens, and fingernails out of your mouth! Treat your appliances as you would anything else of such high value: with care and respect! You will be rewarded with the best possible result in the shortest period of time!
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