Cleaning

It is important to brush your teeth and braces after every meal to remove any food and plaque. You may use a regular manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush and an interproximal brush.

Whether we have braces or not, flossing is something we should do every night. If you have not flossed before, flossing with braces will be difficult – but don’t give up. Keep at it and you’ll be able to do it proficiently in no time!

Diet

It is very important to avoid certain foods during your orthodontic treatment. Sticky, hard and chewy foods can break brackets, loosen bands, bend wires and cause decay. Keep in mind, if these things happen, it can slow down and lengthen your orthodontic treatment.

Other foods we should limit the consumption of are sugary and acidic foods. We should only consume these on special occasions, such as parties or events. Remember to ensure that you brush your teeth afterwards.

Inadequate brushing, flossing and poor diet will risk decalcifying the surface of the tooth. This appears as permanent, irreversible white marks on the front of your teeth which could be easily avoided. In severe cases, cavities can develop. Your gums can also become inflamed, swollen or start to recede with poor oral hygiene.