How to Care For Orthodontic Braces & Disallowed Foods

As kids, we are taught to brush and floss our teeth on a regular basis to avoid cavities and gum diseases. Orthodontic braces can make normal brushing of the teeth more difficult, but special techniques can help dislodge food and bacteria that gets stuck between the devices and your teeth. As of 2009, there are three types of braces to choose from: Traditional metal, ceramic or crystal clear brackets and the Invisalign system. The recommended cleaning technique is the same for all with the exception of the Invisalign system, where the entire appliance is removed for cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Fluoride toothpaste
• Soft toothbrush (changing every three months)
• Waxed dental floss
• Floss threader
• Dental wax (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush the teeth as soon after eating as possible, brushing right away gives food less of a chance to stain the teeth. Using a gentle sawing motion to brush between the gums and the wire on the bottom and top teeth to loosen food particles. Brushing after meals and snacks is recommended by most orthodontists.

• 2

  Floss with a waxed floss using a floss threader or super floss. Remove any bands before flossing. A floss threader helps to get the floss through the wire guide and in between the teeth. Super floss is precut and has a stiff end to help thread the floss in much the same way as the floss threader. Be gentle while flossing around the wire guide and the bracket to avoid any damage.

• 3

  Use dental wax on the orthodontic braces in places where the bracket rubs against the cheek to prevent rubbing the inside of the cheek causing ulcers and sores. Remove the dental wax by gently brushing the teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.

• 4

  Avoid certain foods. Foods and candies that are sticky such as gum of any kind, gummy bears, toffee, fruit chews, caramels, sugar daddies, taffy's and tootsie rolls should be off your dining list while your braces are in, according to Dentist.net, as should hard foods such as raw apples and carrots, nuts, popcorn, corn on the cob, pretzels, hard crust breads, jerky, ice and tortilla chips.

• 5

  Contact the orthodontist immediatly if a bracket breaks or any other problems arise. Depending on the extent of the treatment program, routine appointments are made every two to six weeks, continuing for up to 24 months or longer, depending on the severity of the problem.