Problem Foods when you have BRACES
Eating proper Foods, minimizing sugar intake and getting enough sleep are essential during orthodontic treatment. Your braces are precise appliances that can be damaged by eating hard foods. Some soft and sticky foods can cause tooth decay and loosen or dislodge your braces.
Forbidden Hard Foods:
Hard Candy, Corn Chips, Popcorn, Jerky, Ice, Nuts, Pizza Crust, Corn on the Cob
Whole fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots should be cooked or cut into small pieces and eaten carefully.
Use common sense when choosing food to put in your mouth and avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens and pencils.
Forbidden Soft Food:
Bubble Gum, Gum, Sticky Candy like Starbursts, Sugar Daddies, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Bears, Caramels, and Taffy
Orthodontic Brushing and Flossing Procedures
Brushing with your toothbrush (Soft bristles only):
When? After every meal. If you cannot brush right away, rinse well with water.
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Flossing
When? Nightly after brushing
How? Use floss threader between gums and braces.
Why? Removes plaque toothbrush misses.
Special brushes can be used for hard-to-clean places.
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CONCENTRATE ON THE DANGER ZONE!
… the space between the bands or brackets and the gums!