Oral Hygiene List
At Swearingen Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey. Proper care not only keeps your teeth and gums healthy but also ensures the best possible results once your braces are removed.
Oral Hygiene List
At Swearingen Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey. Proper care not only keeps your teeth and gums healthy but also ensures the best possible results once your braces are removed.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during your time with braces. Not only does it keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it also helps in achieving the best possible results once your braces are removed.
Let’s start with brushing. It’s important to brush your teeth after every meal and before bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle yet thorough, making sure to clean around the brackets and wires. Angle your brush towards the gum line and brush in small circular motions.
Flossing is equally important. It helps remove food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. You’ll need to use special floss threaders or orthodontic floss to get between the wires and teeth. Slide the floss gently up and down between each tooth and under the wires. There are floss picks called Platypus flossers that you can buy on Amazon.
Pay extra attention to areas around the brackets and wires where plaque tends to accumulate. Take your time to ensure you’ve thoroughly cleaned each tooth and bracket. You can buy toothpaste called plaque HD which will show you areas that you are missing when you brush.
In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can damage your braces or cause cavities. Rinse your mouth with water after eating to help remove any remaining food particles.
Remember to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These visits allow us to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your braces, and ensure that your oral health is on track.
I know it might seem challenging at first, but with practice and consistency, you’ll become a pro at caring for your braces. If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Food List
When you have braces, it’s important to choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, and won’t damage your braces. Here’s a list of foods that are generally safe to eat with braces
Soft fruits like bananas, berries, applesauce, and canned fruits (without seeds)
Cooked vegetables such as steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and well-cooked broccoli
Soft grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and rice
Soft bread products like pancakes, muffins, and soft tortillas
Dairy products such as yogurt, pudding, and soft cheeses
Protein sources like scrambled eggs, tofu, fish without bones, and tender cuts of meat
Pasta and noodles, preferably cooked until they are very soft
Soups and stews with soft ingredients, like chicken noodle soup or vegetable soup
Soft desserts like ice cream, smoothies, gelatin, and soft cookies
Remember to cut harder foods into smaller pieces and avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could potentially damage your braces.
List of Foods to Avoid When You Have Braces
Hard foods
Popcorn, nuts, hard candies, ice cubes, pretzels, and chips can all potentially damage braces or get stuck in them.
Sticky foods
Caramels, taffy, gummy candies, chewing gum, and sticky snacks like caramel apples can easily become lodged in your braces, leading to difficulty cleaning and potential damage.
Crunchy foods
Hard fruits and vegetables like raw carrots and apples, as well as crunchy snacks like popcorn and hard taco shells, can cause brackets to break or wires to bend.
Chewy foods
Foods that are excessively chewy, such as bagels, tough meats, chewy candies, and jerky, can pull on wires and brackets, leading to discomfort and potential damage.
Foods with small seeds or kernels
Foods like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and seeds from fruits like strawberries or raspberries can easily get stuck in braces and be difficult to remove.
Hard breads and rolls
Tough bread products like hard rolls, baguettes, and crusty bread can be difficult to chew and may damage braces.
Corn on the cob
Eating corn directly from the cob can be challenging and may result in damage to braces. It’s better to cut the corn off the cob before consuming it.
Tough meats
Tough cuts of meat or meats with bones, such as steak, ribs, or chicken wings, can be difficult to chew and may cause discomfort or damage to braces.
Chewy or hard granola bars
Granola bars with nuts, seeds, or hard chunks can be difficult to chew and may damage braces. Opt for softer varieties instead.
Carbonated drinks
Soda and other carbonated beverages can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, which is a concern for people with braces who may already have difficulty cleaning their teeth effectively.