Braces create small ledges, nooks and crannies for food deposits, which can lead to cavities and gum problems. This makes brushing and flossing even more important while you are wearing braces. When you brush and floss, handle your appliances carefully so you won't break or loosen them. Following these brushing and flossing instructions will keep your appliances and your smile healthy!
Be sure to brush your teeth right after every meal and before you go to bed using a soft bristled toothbrush. It is best to use a fluoride toothpaste to help fight cavities. If you can't brush right away, rinse well with water.
You should floss your teeth every evening before going to bed.
Don't worry; you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
Foods to avoid with braces:
Concentrate on the "danger zone" – the space between the braces and your gums. Use a soft bristled brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Place the bristles where your gums and teeth meet. Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines, 10 seconds on each tooth. Then brush each tooth for 10 seconds across the braces, and between the braces and the chewing/biting surface of your teeth. Repeat on the surface of your teeth that your tongue touches. Don't forget the chewing surfaces of your back teeth as well! The upper and lower jaws, tongue and roof of your mouth should be brushed separately – especially if you have a quad helix, palate expander or some other appliance.
Use a floss threader or Superfloss to carefully pull the floss between the teeth. In order to floss with braces, you must place the threader between the wire and the gums. Gently move the floss up and down along each tooth to clean plaque and food debris that hides underneath the gums. Simply pull the floss out after each tooth and begin again. If you experience bleeding or discomfort while brushing and/or flossing, ask our office to help you with your technique. We will be happy to do so! Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It's important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take ibuprofen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces.
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Game, Set, Match - we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let our office know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection. In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away.
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Madison Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics
100 River Place, Suite 110
Madison, WI 53716
Business: 608-222-6160
Billing: 608-222-6721
Fax: 608-222-6248
Email: kidsdental1@madped.com
Office Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
