:: Braces Care
.: Brushing And Flossing:
Cavities, inflamed gum tissue (gingivitis), bad breath and permanent stains (decalcification) are all caused by bacteria that live on the teeth in a colorless sticky substance called plaque. Plaque must be removed after every meal to avoid these problems. Braces make it harder to remove plaque, therefore brushing will take longer and needs to be done more frequently. Because a toothbrush cannot clean between your teeth, brushing alone will not keep your teeth entirely free of plaque. Flossing at least once a day is the best way to prevent a build-up of plaque between the teeth and between the teeth and gums. At the appointment your braces are placed we will provide detailed instructions on the best ways to keep your teeth clean. While in braces your oral hygiene will be graded at each appointment to give feedback on the effectiveness of your brushing and flossing.
.: Pop And Other Acidic Drinks:
Permanent stains and decay are not only caused by poor brushing but also by pop and other acidic or sugary drinks. The acid and sugar in pop, sports drinks, juice boxes, bottled/canned tea and other similar products eat away your tooth's protective enamel layer. Diet drinks are no better as they still contain the destructive acids. Read the labels on whatever you drink and avoid those with sugar or acid.
.: Foods To Avoid:
Orthodontic appliances are durable within reason. To protect your braces avoid hard, sticky and crunchy items. Hard or chewy candy, chips, nuts, hard bread, pencils, pens, ice, and finger nails are examples of the types of items that can damage the braces. In many cases, how you eat a certain food can also do considerable damage. Break your food into smaller pieces and chew on the biting surfaces of the teeth and not on the sides against your braces. Proper care will help protect your braces, avoid the inconvenience of extra appointments for repair, prevent extending your treatment time and help provide the best possible result. | | | |
