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Q: Do you have any tips for people who wear braces?
A: The first tip is to diligently follow whatever instructions your dentist or orthodontist has given you. That includes sticking to the schedule for wearing headgear or a removable appliance. Other tips are:
• Have a specific, safe place for storing the appliance, elastics and any other related equipment.
• Remove appliances when playing a sport and particularly when swimming. •Wear a mouth guard over fixed braces when playing a sport.
Appliances are traps for food particles. So brush thoroughly after each
meal and snack. If you wear a removable appliance, clean that, too, after
eating. Oral irrigators are helpful in dislodging food from fixed braces.
Sweets are not good for anyone, but they're especially problematic for people who wear braces. Stay away from them. Also stay away from hard foods that could damage braces. Nuts, bagels, hard-crusted bread and corn on the cob are just some of the foods you should avoid or be very careful about eating. Hard fruits, like apples, are okay if you cut them into small pieces. If your braces or appliance causes soreness in the mouth, try rinsing with warm salted water.
May 11, 2009
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