Helpful Tips
Brushing and Flossing during Orthodontic Treatment
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the length of your orthodontic treatment. Braces, wires and bands can trap food particles making it difficult to brush and floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease.
Our orthodontists recommend brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least 3 times per day for a minimum of 2 minutes. A gentle thorough circular motion both at the gum line and under wires will help remove food particles and plaque.
Flossing is necessary to clean the areas between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. We recommend the use of floss threaders for ease of flossing teeth while in braces. We also recommend using a fluoride rinse such as Phosflur or ACT on a daily basis.
Foods to Avoid
There are several foods to avoid during orthodontic treatment to minimize broken or damaged brackets, wires and bands. Common sense will be the best indicator of what foods to avoid. Here are just a few:
- Raw carrots (small, baby carrots are okay)
- Corn on the cob (unless cut off)
- Apples (unless sliced first)
- Popcorn
- Hard pretzels
- Nuts
- Sticky or chewy candy
- Bubble gum (small pieces of sugarless gum are okay in moderation)
- Marshmallows
- Hard crust on bread or pizza
- Meat on bones such as pork chops, ribs, chicken wings (unless cut off)
This is just a small list. Please avoid any similar foods!!!