Avoid all Hard, Sticky, or Chewy Foods such as:

Ice…It will destroy your braces
Pizza Crust…The hard crust bends the wires
Corn on the Cob…Bend wires, loosen bands, and knock off brackets
Hard Pretzels…Bend wires, loosen bands, knock off brackets
Doritos, Tacos, Cheetos, etc. …Will form a hard ball and break your braces
Caramel Candy, Bubble Gum…Sticky goo which pulls off wires and braces
Licorice, Gummy Bears, Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls
Hard Rolls, Bagels, Bones…Bends the wires and knocks off brackets
Beef Jerky, Slim Jims…Tough as nails
Suckers or Toffee…You might weaken and bite.
Nuts…No nuts of any kind
Ribs…Knock off brackets
Pens and Pencils…Favorite exam-time food. Breaks everything!

Popcorn…The little shells get between the gum and band and will hurt you like crazy
Apples or Carrots…unless cooked or cut into small pieces

Eating these foods will loosen the braces, but you may not discover the problem until hours or days later…Surprise!  Loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets cause a longer treatment time.

Try to not eat many sugary foods such as; candy, ice cream, cookies, cake, pie, etc.  Watch your intake of soda pop and other drinks with sugar.  


Orthodontic Problems…should you call our office??

Poking wire or bracket:  Roll a piece of wax into a ball and press it onto the part that’s poking you. This should remedy the problem until your next appointment.
Broken wire: If you can safely reach the wire with finger nail clippers you may clip it.  If not, press the wire toward your teeth with a pencil eraser.  
Small cut or soreness: Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water. Take the pain reliever you would normally take for a headache.
Loose band or bracket: If band or bracket is still attached to wire, leave in place.  If uncomfortable, place wax on it.  If it comes out completely, wrap brace or bracket in tissue and bring to next appointment.
Lost tie wire or elastic tie:  Notify us at next appointment.
Loose appliance: If an appliance is sticking or poking, place wax on it and call our office for an emergency appointment.

Call our office immediately, during regular business hours, if:
· An appliance breaks
· An appliance is loose
· An appliance gets lost

Call the Orthodontist Right Away if:
· A broken appliance prevents the mouth from opening or closing.
· Pain from an appliance is still felt even after taking over-the-counter pain relievers.


Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Brushing
· Brush 4 times a day; morning, noon, after dinner, bedtime.
· Brush under, above, behind and around ALL surfaces of the teeth AND braces.  You should brush for at least 2 minutes.
· Brush inside and outside of both top and bottom gums
· Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing.
· Use a soft toothbrush, brush slowly and take your time.

Flossing
· Insert floss behind archwire.
· Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with an up-and-down motion.  Floss between all teeth once a day.

Remember to see your general dentist for your regularly scheduled check-ups.


Other tips for Better Hygiene

· Carry a travel toothbrush.
· Rinse after eating.
· Try an electric toothbrush.
· Use prescribed rinses and gels.