You will notice that it is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food compacts in the brackets and between your teeth, and can only be removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque remains on the teeth for any length of time, it will leave a permanent white scar on the surface (decalcification). Brushing after meals should become part of your daily schedule. Use a soft toothbrush with firm pressure and brush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth; brush in small circles above and below the brackets. Click here for visual instructions. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray.
A waterpik can be a useful addition but it cannot remove the sticky plaque that adheres to the teeth. Electric toothbrushes are great. Flossing is important and should be done everyday. Floss poppers are helpful for some people. Also, remember that floss threaders are reusable. We conveniently offer electric toothbrushes, such as Sonicare, Oral-B, and Rotadent at our office for purchase.
Please do not eat hard foods: nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots (cut them into pieces first), hard French bread crust and rolls, spareribs, corn on the cob (cut the corn off the cob before eating), and popcorn! These foods risk breaking brackets and wires. Also beware of nail biting and pen or pencil chewing habits, since these can damage your braces. Do not eat sticky foods: taffy, caramels, bubble gum, or sticky candy of any sort. Use common sense about most foods.
Regular rinsing, 30 seconds for two time a day, with Listerine or Crest Pro-Health has been proven to be effective killing the germs that cause dental disease.
Every patient with braces should use a topical fluoride rinse or brushed on fluoride gel at least once a day. Regular use of topical fluoride will virtually eliminate your risk of decalcifications (white spot lesions) on your teeth. Sugar snacks, especially carbonated sodas, should be reduced significantly while wearing braces.
Patients with braces will be given a sample bottle of fluoride rinse at the beginning of treatment. Additional bottles can be purchased at your pharmacy or for your convenience at our office.