INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH BRACES

Oral Hygiene with Braces – Detailed Guidance

1. Brushing

• Frequency: After every meal and before bed (minimum 3–4 times a day).

• Technique:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush (V-shaped bristles).

• Angle the brush:

• 45° above the brackets to clean the top of the tooth.

• 45° below the brackets to clean the bottom.

• Directly on the brackets in small circles.

• Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces and your tongue.

• Electric toothbrushes can offer more thorough cleaning.

2. Rinsing After Meals

• If brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating.

• This helps remove food particles and reduce plaque buildup until you can brush.

3. Interdental Brushes

• Small cone-shaped brushes designed to slide between brackets and under the wire.

• Ideal for cleaning areas a regular brush can’t reach.

• Use gently to avoid damaging wires or brackets.

4. Mouthwash

• Use a fluoride mouthwash once daily to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities.

• Optional: Antibacterial rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine) may be prescribed to reduce gum inflammation or plaque buildup.

5. Plaque Disclosing Tablets

• Use occasionally to check how well you’re cleaning.

• They color plaque pink or purple, helping identify missed areas.

Diet Restrictions

1. Be Careful with Hard Foods:

• Nuts, hard candies, and ice should be avoided completely as they can break brackets or bend wires.

• Popcorn and chips can be eaten carefully:

• Do not fill your mouth with a large amount at once.

• Eat one piece at a time and chew slowly to avoid damaging your braces.

2. Avoid Sticky Foods:

• Gum, caramel, toffee, gummy candies, and chewing on soft plastics (like pen caps) can pull brackets off.

3. Cut Food Into Small Pieces:

• Chop raw fruits and vegetables (like apples or carrots) into bite-sized pieces instead of biting directly into them.

4. Don’t Bite Into Hard Items:

• Avoid biting directly into corn on the cob, apples, or tough sandwiches—this can loosen brackets.l

5. Choose Braces-Friendly Foods:

• Soft foods like yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, eggs, bananas, and soups are safer and easier to chew.

6. Ice Cream Considerations:

• Plain, soft ice cream is allowed.

• Avoid ice creams that contain hard pieces like nuts, candy, cookies, or chocolate chunks.

• If you experience sensitivity, limit very cold foods like ice cream.

Discomfort Management

1. Initial Soreness:

• It is normal to feel soreness in your teeth and gums during the first few days after getting braces or after adjustments.

• You can take mild pain relievers (like ibuprofen or paracetamol) if needed.

2. Irritation from Brackets or Wires:

• Brackets and wires may rub against your cheeks, lips, or tongue causing small sores.

• Use orthodontic wax:

• Apply a small ball of wax over the bracket or wire causing the discomfort.

3. Loose Brackets or Wires:

• If a bracket becomes loose or a wire is poking out:

• Cover the area with orthodontic wax to prevent injury.

• There is no cause for concern. Please contact us to arrange an appointment and we will assist you appropriately.

4. Avoid Hard Chewing at the Beginning:

• Stick to soft foods during the first few days until the discomfort subsides.

5. Saltwater Rinses:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day to help heal sores and reduce irritation.

Emergencies

Although true orthodontic emergencies are rare, some issues may occasionally occur. Here is how to handle them:

1. Loose Brackets or Bands:

• If a bracket or band becomes loose but remains attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax if it causes discomfort.

• If it falls off, keep it safely and bring it with you to your next appointment.

• Contact us to schedule an appointment for the necessary repair.

2. Poking Wires:

• If a wire is irritating your cheeks or gums, you can cover the area with orthodontic wax to prevent injury.

• Please contact us to arrange an appointment if the irritation persists.

3. General Soreness:

• General soreness is expected after adjustments. Soft food and warm saltwater rinses can help relieve discomfort.

• If needed, mild pain relievers can be used.

4. Swelling, Infection, or Severe Pain:

• In the rare event of significant swelling, signs of infection, or severe pain, contact us immediately.

• Prompt intervention may be necessary to address the issue properly.