Oral Hygiene

 

Follow these simple tips to ensure your appliances do their job!

To avoid damaging your appliances while eating:

  1. Eat soft foods: (this is for initial placements) Soups, pasta, rice, etc. 
     
  2. Cut chewy foods: Cut chewy foods into smaller bite-size pieces 
      
  3. Eat sliced vegetables and fruit
     
  4. Avoid sticky foods: Bubble gum, jelly beans and sticky fruit snacks
     
  5. Avoid hard, crunchy foods: Hard candy and peanut brittle 
     
  6. Limit sugary foods: Sweets and soft drinks that can cause tooth decay under the appliances

When you play sports: Wear a mouthguard appropriate to your sport.

If you have a loose wire: Gently tuck the wire back in place with a blunt object such as an eraser end of a pencil. If you can't nudge it back, cover the end with a piece of wax then call our office. We are here to answer your questions and keep you comfortable.

Brushing the right way: When brushing your teeth, make sure you also brush between the brackets and gums. Don't forget to floss...there are many places food can get stuck in an appliance. Always use a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste!