Brushing
You will notice it requires more time to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food tends to get stuck in the brackets and between your teeth and can only be removed by brushing and flossing. Floss every day using floss threaders. If plaque remains on the teeth for any length of time, it will leave a permanent white scar on the surface. Brushing after each meal should become part of your daily routine.
Eating Habits
A healthy diet means a healthy body, healthy teeth and a better orthodontic result. Please do not eat hard foods: nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots (cut into small pieces first), hard French bread crust and rolls, spareribs, corn on the cob (cut off the cob first) and popcorn. These foods risk breaking brackets and wires. Also, be aware of nail biting and pen or pencil chewing habits. Do not eat sticky foods: taffy, caramels, bubble gum, sticky candy of any sort.
Foods to Avoid while Wearing Braces
Gummy Bears
Hard Pretzels
Whole Carrots
Hard Candies
Beef Jerky
Corn on the Cob
Ice
Pizza Crust
Popcorn
Sticky Candies
Celery
Bubble Gum
Hard Bread Crust
Whole Apples
Nuts
Meat on the Bone
Granola Bars
Crunch Chips