When you get new braces from the orthodontist in Franklin, TN, you have to take proper care of them, or you could find yourself breaking your braces or doing harm to your teeth. Below are some of the suggestions we give to our patients who have new braces.

Watch What You Eat

Braces are easily broken by hard, crunchy foods. Nuts are an excellent example of the kind of food you can’t eat when you have braces – hard candy can be problematic as well.

Sticky foods are also a problem for braces because they can become caught in the brackets, and removing sticky food from those little spaces can be very difficult. Avoid eating anything that could cause damage to your braces. When your braces are first installed, your orthodontist will give you a list of foods that you should not eat.

Floss Regularly

Flossing is very important when you’re wearing braces, because even non-sticky foods can easily become caught in those little spaces between the brackets and your teeth. Floss every night. Your orthodontist can show you how to floss once your braces are put on your teeth, but even if you don’t get a tutorial in the orthodontist office, there are many helpful tutorials online.

Don’t Chew On Things That Aren’t Food

Chewing on ice can be refreshing, but when you’re wearing braces, ice can cause damage. Chewing on pen caps and finger nails can also be bad for your braces. Never use your teeth as scissors to open up packaging, and take care to avoid chewing on anything that isn’t food once braces are put on your teeth.

Contact Your Orthodontist With Questions

Remember that your orthodontist is a resource from the moment your braces are installed. If you ever have questions about what’s acceptable for maintaining your braces, call your orthodontist with your questions. You can also write down your questions and bring them with you the next time that you go to the orthodontist for an appointment.

Want to know more about getting braces in Franklin, TN? Call Cool Water Orthodontics for advice.