12 Feb 5 Healthy Ortho Habits
We are celebrating by sharing 5 healthy ortho habits to keep your smile in tip-top shape while in treatment:
1) Maintain good oral hygiene
Braces can accumulate food in places where the brush cannot reach. This can lead to cavities or stains. Use a braces friendly toothbrush, take your time and be sure to brush 2x per day and floss 1x per day.
2) Check your braces/orthodontic appliances frequently
After you are done brushing, take a minute to check to make sure your braces are intact. There should not be any loose wires or broken brackets. If you catch these things early, your orthodontic treatment is more likely to stay on track
3) Avoid certain foods:
· Hard, crunchy foods like baby carrots and tortilla chips
· Chewy, dense foods like pizza crusts
· Sticky foods like candy and gum
4) Follow your orthodontist’s plan
Keeping your orthodontic appointments and wearing all appliances/elastics etc. as instructed will keep your treatment on track
5) Take care of any discomfort ASAP
Braces are a foreign object in the mouth. Occasionally, you may face a bit of discomfort after braces are placed in the mouth. If this happens we recommend using orthodontic wax and mild, over-the-counter pain medication until symptoms resolve. If you have a wire poking, please reach out to your provider for assistance.
We hope these tips are helpful!
