Eating Habits and Orthodontics

A careful Orthodontic patient can probably eat almost any food and do no damage to his appliance. Braces are delicate and easily damages, so what you eat becomes especially important in caring for your appliances. There are many foods which may cause a lot of harm. Here are some examples of foods which should be avoided:

Avoid Foods that are Appealing but Dangerous
1. Hard Foods may do damage by bending wires, loosening cement under the bands  or breaking the little brackets and tubes that  are attached to the bands.
Dont Eat
Popcorn, Almonds, Nuts, Peanut Brittle, Pizza crust, Ice , lemon ( injurious to tooth enamel], corn on the cob, corn chips, crisp tacos
Maybe
Carrots stick, Apple ( cut into wedges or bite size), Hard French Bread( if take small pieces and be careful)
2. Sticky foods damage appliances by bending wires and pulline cement loose
Dont Eat
Taffy, Hard candies, gummy bears,caramels, Bubble gum or chewing gum a thousand times NO
3.Foods in High Sugar Content avoid whenever possible. If you do eat any of them, eat only at the end of a meal and brush your teeth immediately. If not convenient to brush, then always rinse your mouth with water after eating very sweet foods like cake and pie.

Its important to eat healthy, well balances diet, including plenty of vegetables and fruits. You may also add vitamins and minerals supplement like VIT C ,E, D

Other pointers you need to take note:
Appointments
It is vital to keep all your appointments.. If not properly supervised, braces can  adversely move teeth the wrong way, causing the damage or increasing the duration of treatment. It is important to Be on time for your appointment. give 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or move your appointment. Continue to see your dentist regularly for check ups and cleanings. Report  damage to the appliance or loose bracket immediately.

Note: If you missed three  consecutive appointments or more during your treatment time you will be dropped from the clinic.

Oral Hygiene
The biggest enemy enemy of your teeth is plaque and the most common and effective means of removing plaque from your teeth is regular brushing and flossing.

Brushing Technique
Hold the Brush-at an angle. Press firmly against the teeth and flexing of bristles.
Move in the brush in small circles, cleaning the tooth surfaces one at a time
Brush above the archwire and below the archwire
Brush the backside, checkside, tongueside and the chewing surfaces of all your teeth

Flossing technique
Slide the floss gently between the teeth
Avoid snapping the floss through a tight space
Place the floss in between your teeth. Rub the floss up and down the sides of each tooth.

Discomfort
Remember we are moving your teeth slowly and carefully. Thats why it is important to keep your appointment. We make adjustment to the braces every month or two months so that while you are at home or school or work the braces are moving your teeth into the correct position. Your braces may cause some discomfort during the first few days and after each adjustment. There are several things you can do to minimize discomfort: Eat soft foods for few days, Use Warm saltwater rinse as needed. You may also take Tylenol to alleviate pain. Avoid Aspirin, Motrin, Advil cause they slow down tooth movement