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How to brush?
Brushing after meals should become part of your daily oral hygiene routine. The use of a soft toothbrush with firm pressure is recommended. They need to use a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste, with circular and vibrating motions around the gumline for about 10 seconds on each tooth. Each tooth should be brushed slowly. Brushing should begin with the lower teeth in an upward motion and the upper teeth in a downward motion. Brushing should be done at 45 degree angle to the tooth, in small circles above and below the braces. To get under the wire, an interdental brush can be used. For removable appliances such as the retainer, a soft bristled toothbrush and warm water can be used to clean the appliance. Orthodontic patients may want to look at using an orthodontic brush, single tufted brush, fluoride mouthrinse or gel, from addition to toothpaste. Due to orthodontic appliances being in place, your toothbrush will wear out more rapidly so be sure to replace it often. Mechanical or ultrasonic toothbrushes are popular options for these individuals. These can be used effectively without damaging your orthodontic appliances. Here is a video that shows proper brushing techniques.
How to floss?
Flossing is critical for cleaning between the teeth and should be done every day. Flossing should be done nightly after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing. Carefully pull waxed floss between wire and braces. Many flossing aids have been designed for assistance while flossing with braces. Routine checking of your appliances (at least once a week) is recommended, for early detection of teeth that may be loose or bent. Here is a video that shows proper flossing techniques.
What foods should be avoided?
During the first few days of having orthodontic appliances in place soft foods are appropriate to eat. Food should be cut into small pieces, and chewing should be done with the back teeth. These individuals should never bite into anything with their front teeth (i.e. apples, pears, corn on the cob, chicken wings, and any meat on the bone). The appliances may break off. Hard foods are off limits or must be cut up in small pieces and chewed with your back teeth. These include hard cookies, pizza crust, hard breads, hard pretzels, bagels, hard candies, frozen snacks, ice cubes and raw vegetables. Chewy, sticky candies are completely off limits. There are absolutely no exceptions. These include laffy taffy, skittles, starbursts, tootsie rolls, gum, gummy worms, gummy bears, sour patch kids, jelly beans, caramel, and licorice. Here is a video that shows foods to avoid while having orthodontic appliances in place.
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