Oral Hygiene

We want you to have the BEST looking teeth in town. Please remember that teeth will not decay and gums will stay healthy if plaque is removed. The following instructions, when used accordingly, will keep your teeth sparkling and gums healthy.

  1. BRUSH your teeth at least 3-4 times a day.
    1. in the morning before school/work
    2. after lunch, if permissible
    3. as soon as you get home from school/work
    4. before you go to bed (this should be your most thorough and important cleaning of the day)
  2. FLOSS every night. (We recommend Super Floss by Oral B.)
  3. Use non-prescription Colgate Phos-Flur FLUORIDE RINSE before bed. (Do not eat or drink after rinsing so the fluoride can protect your teeth overnight.)

Bedtime routine: Brush, Floss, and Fluoride!!

Be sure to continue seeing your regular dentist for six-month cleanings, exams and necessary dental work. If you or your dentist prefers, we will be glad to remove your wires for cleaning appointments.

FOODS TO AVOID

HARD—ice, jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers, Tear Jerkers, nuts, popcorn, peanut brittle, etc.

STICKY or CHEWY—taffy, caramels, Now or Laters, gumdrops, Skittles, Twizzlers, gummy bears, fruit roll-ups, granola bars, Starbursts, etc.

MAYBE— Sugarless gum, carrot sticks (if you cut into thin curls), apples (cut into wedges and eaten with back teeth), corn on the cob (if cut off the cob first), crisp taco chips (break them into small pieces and chew on your back teeth), pizza crust and bread sticks (tear off the hard or crispy part and eat the soft part).

Of course we can’t begin to list every possible “no-no” food, but these are a few examples. Please keep consumption of very sweet items to a minimum. Be sure to brush afterwards. If it is not convenient to brush, then at least rinse your mouth with water after eating.

Damaged appliances always mean extra appointments, inconvenience, and extended treatment time. Even though accidents do happen, almost every loose band/bracket or broken wire is due to patient carelessness!! Use good judgment when selecting foods--- please avoid HARD and STICKY foods and foods HIGH in SUGAR CONTENT.