| By :
Mark Etinger
Keeping braces clean and properly taking care of them isn't too difficult of a task. With a little bit more time and effort, you will have a much better experience wearing them and you'll be happy with the results your orthodontist can provide you. Braces are not indestructible. An orthodontist needs to bind the materials so they are strong enough to stay on but easy enough to come off when it comes time for removal. Certain foods can damage the braces and bend the wires. Other foods will simply get stuck and it won't be easy to get it out. Hard foods are a definite no. Don't chew on ice, hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, and hard chips. Foods like carrots, apples, and pears can be eaten but should be cut into small pieces. Pizza crust, bagels, and French bread should also be cut into bite size pieces. Although this will be heartbreaking for some, gum of any kind is out. Chewy and sticky foods like taffy and caramels need to be avoided. Popcorn isn't the best food to eat, but you'll be okay if you stay away from the hard kernels at the bottom of the bag. Corn on the cob and meat on bones should be sliced off as well. Avoiding this list of foods will make brushing and cleaning your teeth and braces a lot easier. First begin by brushing the outside of your teeth. The toothbrush should make a 45 degree angle toward the gum line. Clean the head of the tooth and the gum first and then work on the top of the teeth. Try to focus on a few teeth at a time. Next work on the inside surfaces of the teeth, again cleaning a few each time. Also make a 45 degree angle towards the gum line. Lastly, brush the chewing side of all your teeth. Flossing is a bit tricky but it has to be done. Just like pulling a thread through a needle, you'll have to pull the floss under the wire that connects the brace together. Then wrap the floss around the tooth on one side and floss back and forth around the tooth, pulling down toward the wire. Repeat a few times to ensure all plaque is removed, but don't put too much pressure on the wire. This will take a bit more time then normal but you'll be happy to know your teeth are very clean. Those who take excellent care of their teeth might be glad to hear that your length of treatment might be shorter. Take good care of your teeth and braces and your orthodontist may find you ahead of schedule.
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