While in orthodontic treatment, it is extremely important to continue regular visits to your dentist, and to practice a high standard of oral care.
ORAL HYGIENE WITH BRACES
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LIFE WITH BRACES: FOOD TIPS
During orthodontic treatment, certain dietary changes are necessary to protect your appliances, in order to maintain consistent steady progress toward your awesome new smile.
However, having braces doesn’t mean you have to stop eating your favorite foods. For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.
Just Say No
Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid: |
| Gum (sugar-free or regular) |
| Licorice |
| Sugar Daddies |
| Toffee |
| Tootsie Rolls |
| Caramels |
| Starburst |
Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid: |
| Ice |
| Nuts |
| Hard taco shells |
| French bread crust/rolls |
| Corn on the cob |
| Apples (unless cut into small pieces) |
| Starburst |
| Bagels |
| Chips |
| Jolly Ranchers |
| Pizza crust |
| Uncooked carrots (unless cut) |
Minimize Sugary Foods like: |
| Cake |
| Ice Cream |
| Cookies |
| Pie |
| Candy, Soda and other Sugar Filled Beverages |
Occasional Treats: |
| Soda |
| Sweetened tea |
| Gatorade |
| Kool-Aid |
| Drinks with sugar |
If you do eat sweets, make sure you rinse after eating anything with a high sugar content!
It's important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call Dr. Teja immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.
Good things to eat while in treatment: |
| Soft Foods |
| Pudding (sugar free) |
| Soups |
| Muffins with out nuts or seeds |
| Blended Smoothie Drinks |
| Jello (sugar free) |
| Plenty of Water |
| Applesauce |
| Frozen Yogurt |
| Pasta |
| Fish |
| Cooked Vegetables |
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Caring for your Appliance/Retainer
Retainers are the most important part of your treatment. They help to maintain and preserve that awesome smile. These precision appliances need extra special care.
Remember these care guidelines for your retainer:
- Keep away from heat. Rinse your retainer with cool water.
- Keep away from dogs- They like to chew them!
- Clean regularly with toothbrush and toothpaste, using cool water.
- Always store your retainer in its case- NEVER wrap in a napkin, or tuck into a pocket. Taking this precaution helps keep your retainer from being accidentally thrown away, or damaged.
- Wear diligently as directed.
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