DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE? – Ask The Expert
Yes, keeping your teeth and braces (or other appliances) clean requires a little more effort on your part. Your orthodontist and the treatment staff will explain how to brush and floss, how often to brush and floss, and give you any special instructions based on the kind of orthodontic treatment you are having.
Clean braces are bright and shiny! Dirty braces are covered with a white, milky film. This film is called plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay, bad breath, swollen gums. As plaque builds up on your teeth and tissue they become red, puffy and likely to bleed.
The best method for removing plaque is proper toothbrushing with toothpaste, flossing and a fluoride rinse to be used before bedtime.
Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s dental hygiene prescription to get the best results possible. Check with your orthodontist about dental products and tools that might be helpful.
The staff at Bussick Orthodontics recommends brushing after every time you eat something and carefully removing any food that might get lodged in your braces.
WHAT CAN I EAT WITH BRACES?
In general, patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. Stay away from foods like popcorn, jerky, nuts, pizza crust, corn on the cob, Jolly Ranchers, bubble gum, Starbursts, Sugar Daddies, Tootsie Rolls, caramels and taffy. Eat foods that are gentle to your braces and wires. Your braces are precise appliances that can be damaged.
Remember to cut your food up into small bite-size pieces that can easily be chewed. Patients should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils and fingernails. And never chew ice. It’s much too hard on your teeth – even without braces.
Also be sure to see your family dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up at least every six months during your orthodontic treatment, or more often, if recommended.
This article is sponsored by Bussick Orthodontics.
Orthodontics and the process of getting braces have changed tremendously over the last few years.
To make a new patient appointment to see Dr. Bussick please call 260-436-2255. New patients may receive $300 off braces, Invisalign or Invisalign Teen with a free consultation if you mention that you found us from reading The Waynedale News.
You can visit Bussick Orthodontics website at www.bussickortho.com and also check out their facebook page.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the conveniently located office at 7207 Engle Road, Fort Wayne, IN.
It will change your child’s (or your) life!
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Community Invited To Paint Rocks For Urban League Project - April 26, 2024
- The “Bad Guys” In Your Garden & What To Do About Them - April 26, 2024
- Why Voting In The Primary Election Matters - April 26, 2024