Sweets, Treats & Brushing Deets

It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions while in orthodontic treatment for many different reasons. First of all, orthodontic treatment is an investment and you want to get the most out of it. Second of all, if you do not take care of your teeth while in treatment you could actually damage your orthodontic health instead of bettering it.

What to Eat & Avoid with Braces

The best rule of thumb to follow is to stay away from anything that is sticky or hard. Although things like caramel apples are very tasty, biting into something like that could break your appliances. A broken appliance then leads to delayed treatment time. In addition, the damage to the appliance could also damage your teeth or other parts of your mouth. Here is a list of candy you can and cannot eat from the American Association of Orthodontists.

If you have ceramic brackets, we also suggest avoiding liquids or sauces that could stain your brackets like mustard, ketchup, wine and coffee.

Brushing with Braces

With braces, it is best to brush your teeth as soon as you are done eating. This will limit the amount of time that food and bacteria sit on your appliances. When brushing your teeth with braces, make sure to take your time. You should brush all surfaces of both your teeth and the brackets and wires. If you happen to notice food caught in the wire or bracket, use a toothpick or flosser to get it out.

We understand that you are often on the go and it can be difficult to brushing immediately after eating. Check out some suggestions from the AAO on brushing while on the go by clicking HERE.

Have Questions?

As always, if you have questions about brushing or eating with braces please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help!