Brushing and Flossing | Orthodontic Diet Chart | Diet Ideas for Sore Teeth | Retention
Brushing and Flossing
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One of the common concerns about orthodontics is that the braces might cause decay. Actually the parts of your teeth that are covered by your orthodontic bands are protected from decay as long as the cement under the bands is holding properly. However, the bands do make certain places on your teeth harder to clean. The brackets, tubes, and wires that stick out away from the teeth tend to make a little shelf that may cause problems. USE A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH!! BRUSH SLOWLY!! TAKE YOUR TIME!! SEE YOUR GENERAL DENTIST REGULARLY WHILE YOU WEAR BRACES…
Here are some suggestions that can help you know when and how to clean your teeth during orthodontic treatment.
- If there are only bands on the molar teeth for headgear, scrub the bands first back and forth and then up and down, in the direction the teeth the teeth grow
- Brush 3-4 times a day; after meals and snacks
- Brush under, above, behind and around ALL surfaces of the teeth AND braces
- Brush inside and outisde of top and bottom gums
- Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing
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Problem
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Home Solutions
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| LOOSE BAND OR BRACKET |
If band or bracket is still attached to wire, leave on. If it comes off completely place band or bracket in a zip-lock bag. Call us to make an appointment and bring in the band or bracket with you. |
| LOOSE WIRE |
Try to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. |
| POKING WIRE |
Try to push sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If wire is long enough you can try to clip the wire with fingernail clippers. |
| LOST TIE |
Notify us at next appointment if only one has fallen off. If more than one has fallen off, call in to make an appointment. |
| SORENESS |
Use warm salt water rinses and/or Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If there is discomfort eating, refer to diet ideas for sore teeth section. |
| HEADGEAR |
Sometimes caused by not wearing as prescribed. If facebow is bent, call office at once. |
For anything sticking or poking which causes discomfort, place wax on the area causing the discomfort. You may be able to solve many problems temporarily by yourself until you can schedule a repair appointment with our office. If you think you are unable to handle a problem on your own, please call us as soon as possible.
Orthodontic Diet Chart
Foods that are not thoroughly cleared off the braces may cause teeth discoloration and decay. Although your braces are metal, they are still easy to break. Eating the wrong foods usually damages the braces, which in turn prolongs treatment time.
Here is a list of foods that should not be eaten during your treatment: GUM, MOST CANDY, NUTS, CRUSTS, JERKY, HARD PRETZELS, CROUTONS, HARD GRANOLA BARS, AND AVOID BITING ON PENS, PENCILS AND FINGERNAILS.
You may want to avoid biting into foods with your front teeth. Instead, cut, break or tear foods into small bite-sized pieces. Then use your back teeth to do the chewing. There are some foods you will need to eat differently during orthodontic treatment. Also try to eat less foods and drinks with sugar, i.e. ice cream, pastries, soda, etc. Here is a chart that will help you follow the proper eating techniques during your treatment:
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FOOD
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HOW TO EAT
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Apples, peaches, pears (any hard fruits)
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Cut into bite size pieces.
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Popcorn
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No kernels or caramel popcorn.
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Corn on the Cob
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Cut the corn off the cob.
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Chips, cookies and crackers
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Break with your hands first into bite size pieces.
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Carrots & broccoli
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Make sure they are cooked to the point where a fork will go into it easily; do not eat them when they are crunchy.
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Bagels
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Cut the bagel into small bite size pieces; it is not to be eaten whole.
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Cold Cereal
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Let the cereal get moist with the milk first.
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Meat on bones (ribs, legs, thighs)
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Take meat off with a fork or your fingers. DO
NOT EAT DIRECTLY OFF THE BONE!
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Ice
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It is okay to have it in your beverage, but do not chew the ice.
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Candy
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Almost all candy is restricted but there are a few that are okay: Kit Kat’s, M&M’s, Reese’s
Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, Three
Musketeers, and any plain or crunch chocolate.
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Sandwich, hamburger, hot dogs and pizza
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Do not bite into any of these, instead tear or cut small portions and place into your mouth.
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Diet Ideas for Sore Teeth
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Braces may cause discomfort (tender teeth) for a day or two. Blending foods or cutting them into small portions can ensure that patients continue to eat nutritious foods during this time.
Suggestions:
Protein
- Add cheddar cheese cubes to bouillon, or other hot soups.
- Add several spoonfuls of cottage cheese to hot tomato soup.
- Pour a well-beaten egg into boiling chicken bouillon. Skim off the foam. It will taste like Chinese restaurant egg flower soup.
- Prepare a hamburger over medium heat slowly. Stir often and break into pieces. Do not let the meat get too crispy.
- Try a cheese soufflé. Even if it falls it will still taste great!
- If you have a meat grinder use it to prepare other meats. You can add a little sauce, gravy or salad dressing.
- Sloppy Joes – (they’re always easy to make!)
- Scrambled eggs
Fruits
- Fruit juices
- Frozen fruit juices
- Fresh fruit smoothie
- Prepare fresh, uncooked applesauce. Peel the apples, cut them into chunks and place them in a blender with a little sugar and a dash of cinnamon.
- Blend a banana. Add that to a milkshake.
- It can be quite uncomfortable biting or chewing on very cold food with metal braces. Take fruit out of the refrigerator the night before so it will be room temperature by the time you eat breakfast.
Vegetables
- You may be able to eat some cooked vegetables easily. However, you may want to mash them up.
- Salads can be difficult to eat. If you eat a salad, chop the ingredients up very fine.
- Cauliflower, tomatoes, cooked squash, and mashed potatoes are easier to eat than other vegetables.
Dairy
We recommend plain or flavored milk, milkshakes, cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, hot chocolate and ice cream.
Lunches
Whole wheat bread with kernels of grain is nutritious. But for just a couple of days, eat soft wheat or white bread without the kernels of grain. You can apply deviled egg or ham, or tuna to the sandwich. It will not cause much discomfort. Gelatin, pudding or soft fruits in a can or plastic container are great snack options. Hot soup is another great lunch option. Place it in a thermos and put it in your knapsack or lunch bag. Do not eat bologna, salami, hard cheese or roast beef. These items are difficult to chew.
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Retention
Retainers are usually worn full time for a few months and then part time as the teeth stabilize. During the retention period, the teeth usually hold their position quite well. As retainers are worn less frequently over time, expect minor changes. Even people who have never had orthodontic treatment will find that their teeth shift throughout their lives as a part of the natural aging process. This will also happen to the orthodontic patient. We expect changes to be minor and inconsequential. The retention period in our office lasts for two years. After that, any further visits would incur additional office fees.
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