Maintaining Oral Health with Orthodontic Appliances: Tips and Guideline

The Danger Zone:

One crucial area to focus on when caring for your teeth and gums with braces or other orthodontic appliances is the space between the gums and the appliances, often referred to as the “Danger Zone.” Food particles that accumulate in this area can lead to stains, cavities, and unpleasant odors. To avoid these issues, it’s vital to keep your teeth clean. Here are some key practices to follow:

• Frequent Brushing: Brush your teeth after each meal and snack, aiming for at least 3-4 times daily. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is recommended for effective cleaning.
• Daily Flossing: Flossing is an essential aspect of maintaining your gingival health. Make it a daily routine to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and braces. Special flossing tools designed for braces can be helpful.
• Regular Dental Appointments: Keeping all your scheduled orthodontic appointments is crucial. Regular check-ups will help ensure that your treatment progresses on time and that any issues with your appliances can be addressed promptly.

Foods to Avoid:

Orthodontic appliances can limit the types of foods you can safely consume. In general, it’s best to steer clear of hard and sticky foods, as they can damage your braces, increase treatment time, and add to the cost of your orthodontic journey. Here are some examples:

Foods to Avoid Completely:

• Caramel
• Beef Jerky
• Sticky candies like Taffy, Skittles, Starbursts, Gummy Bears, and more
• Tootsie Rolls, Jawbreakers, and hard candies
• Ice

Foods to Eat with Caution:

• Raw Vegetables like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Celery Sticks
• Chips such as Doritos, Pretzels, Popcorn, and Nuts
• Breads like Cuban and Italian Bread, Hard Bagels, and Pizza Crust
• Sugary Drinks like Coke, 7UP, Sprite, Gatorade, and Powerade (limit to special occasions)
• Large quantities of Lemons, Limes, and Oranges (can harm tooth enamel)

Foods Requiring Extra Care:

• Corn on the Cob (cut corn from the cob to eat)
• Ribs, Chicken Wings, or Meat on the bone (cut meat off the bone and into small pieces)
• Apples (cut into pieces)

General Tips:

• Chew foods cautiously and thoroughly to prevent damage to your appliances.
• Avoid putting non-food items like pencils, straws, or fingernails in your mouth.
• Treat your orthodontic appliances as valuable jewelry, as they are crucial to your treatment’s success.
• Consider a soft diet for the first 3-5 days of treatment, including soups, pastas, scrambled eggs, and nutritional drinks.
• Cold desserts like ice cream can help alleviate the pressure of your orthodontic appliances.

Maintenance and Repairs:

• Notify your orthodontic office if your appliances become loose or broken. This will ensure timely repairs if necessary.
• In most cases, broken brackets do not need immediate replacement.
• Patients who repeatedly loosen brackets or break appliances may incur additional fees for repairs.

Additional Recommendations:

• Consider regular check-ups and dental fluoride treatments to support your oral health.
• The regular use of Clinpro toothpaste is highly recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Contact us today for the smile you deserve!