Tooth Brushing & Oral Care
 Braces tend to trap food and bacteria (plaque) on teeth. Unless this plaque is removed, damage to teeth and gums can occur. Therefore, tooth-brushing instructions given to you by our staff should be carefully followed.
When to Brush
A good regimen is to brush when you get up in the morning, within five minutes after you eat (both time) and when you go to bed. We suggest you carry a travel type or folding toothbrush with you.
How to brush
First brush back and forth between wires and gums (both upper and lower) to loosen food particles.
Next, brush correctly as if you had no braces:
- Start on the outside of the upper teeth. With bristles angled at 45,* brush in a circular motion, two or three teeth at a time for about 10 strokes; then move on.
- Brush the same way on the inner surface.
- Brush the chewing surfaces last.
- Then start on the outside lower teeth and repeat the process.
- Rinse your mouth and your toothbrush. Check a mirror to see if you missed any places.
Double check the spaces of teeth between the bands and gums and between the molar tubes or bands and gums to make sure they are clean and free of debris. You should have brushed all 4 sides of each bracket.
When you have finished, the brackets, bands, and wires should be free of all food particles. Your braces should be clean and shiny.
Mouthwash
A daily fluoride rinse/mouthwash is highly recommended.
Diet & Eating Habits
A well balanced diet, minimizing sweets and sugared beverages is important. Hard, crunchy, and sticky food should not be eaten to avoid damaging your braces.
Stay Away From Hard Foods Like
- Popcorn
- Caramel
- Peanut Brittle
- Corn Chips
- Pizza Crust
- Pretzels
- Hard Candy
- Corn-on-the-Cob
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Hard foods may do damage by bending wires, loosening cement under the brackets and bands or breaking the little brackets and tubes which have been attached.
Avoid Sticky Foods Like:
- Taffy
- Caramel
- Fruit Cakes
- Licorice
- GUM
- Fruit Roll-Ups
- “Gummy” Candy
- Dried Fruits
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Sticky foods damage appliances by bending wires and pulling brackets or bands loose.
Brush/Rinse Immediately After Sweets Like:
- Candy
- Soda Pop
- Shakes and Malts
- Ice Cream
- Cupcakes
- Cookies
- Cake and Pie
- Presweetened Cereals
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High sugar foods increase the likelihood of plaque build-up. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately afterwards. If you cannot brush right away, always rinse your mouth with clear water after eating sweet foods.
Eat with Care:
- Carrot sticks – Cut into thin curls
- Apples – Slice into small wedges; don’t bite into an apple
- Hard Breads (French) – Take small pieces; chew carefully
- Meats – Cut into mini bites and chew carefully
- Crackers and Biscuits – Take small pieces; chew carefully
- Peanut Butter – Soft only. Never eat “chunky” style
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A careful orthodontic patient can probably eat almost any food and do no damage to his or her appliances, however, use common sense or, if you are in doubt, ask our staff.
Food to Increase Calcium and Vitamin C
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Orange
- Apple juice
- Grapefruit
- Broccoli
- Papaya
- Melons
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Calcium and Vitamin C are very important for healing bone and collagen that are affected by the movement of your teeth. Consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients daily will also help maintain healthy gums.
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