Hygiene & Diet
The Key to Keeping a Beautiful, Healthy Smile
The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is brushing and flossing. Food particles can accumulate on teeth and in braces, and over time, turn into plaque. The bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even loss of teeth. To avoid these problems while you are in orthodontic treatment, take special care of your braces, teeth and gums to ensure you will have the best possible result.
Brushing
Brush your teeth after every meal and right before you go to bed. We recommend you use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. You might also be prescribed a fluoride mouth rinse to help fight cavities. Here is how you should brush:
- Begin by brushing the outside of each tooth a minimum of 10 times.
- Next, brush your gum line (where your gums and teeth meet), using a circular motion.
- Then, brush the inside surface of your teeth, at least 10 times each.
- Finally, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Flossing
Brushing alone won’t keep your teeth clean and healthy because your toothbrush cannot reach in between your teeth. Therefore, use a floss threader while you are in braces to help prevent cavities. Flossing once a day, follow these steps:
- First, thread the floss through the threader and slip it behind your archwire.
- Next, pull the floss between two teeth and under the margins of your gums.
- Finally, use warm, clean water to rinse your mouth.
It is important to remember to brush at least three times a day, if not more. If you are unable to brush right after you eat, rinse thoroughly with water. ALWAYS brush before you go to bed.
Eating Tips
While you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods while in braces, you should avoid some of the following troublemakers:
- Sticky foods (taffy, gum, caramels)
- Sweet foods (candy, cake, cookies)
- Hard foods (apples and carrots, unless cut into pieces)
- Crunchy foods (corn chips, nuts, popcorn)