Month: April 2022

Best Tips for Preventing Cavities with Braces | Summerville Orthodontist

Summerville Orthodontist

Good oral hygiene is a topic that your Summerville orthodontist will discuss with every patient who has braces. You know it’s essential to keep your teeth clean, but this daily habit is a bit more challenging when you have brackets and wires on your teeth. Brushing and flossing are crucial throughout this treatment and require a little more work. But it’s worth the effort to prevent cavities and gum disease during this time.

Does the Risk of Cavities Go Up with Braces?

Braces don’t cause cavities. But the placement of the brackets on your teeth can increase the likelihood of food getting stuck. If these food particles are left on the surface of the teeth, then plaque starts to develop, and the acids can result in the development of tooth decay.

Braces create more places where food particles can build up and cause cavities. However, there is nothing to worry about if you practice good oral hygiene habits because the food and acid are quickly removed from your teeth.

Proper Teeth Cleaning While Wearing Braces

It takes more effort to clean your teeth while wearing braces. Your Summerville orthodontist can provide recommendations for your oral hygiene habits, such as:

  • Brush your teeth multiple times a day: in the morning, after eating, and before bed
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth
  • Minimize your consumption of sugary and starchy foods, including candy, soda, and desserts
  • Floss at least once a day using a floss threader to get the floss under the braces and between the teeth
  • Consider using a Waterpik to dislodge food from the brackets
  • If you are prone to cavities, talk to your Summerville orthodontist about using a fluoride mouthwash
  • Maintain regular dental cleanings and exams while you are wearing braces

Learn More About Braces

What questions do you have about oral hygiene while wearing braces? Our team at Crescent Moon Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us at your convenience to learn more about available treatment options to straighten your smile.

What You Need to Know Before Getting Braces | Summerville Orthodontist

Summerville Orthodontist

Are you ready to straighten your smile, but you aren’t sure what to expect with braces? The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Summerville orthodontist to learn more about this process and access personalized recommendations.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking about braces for yourself or a child:

Braces Are Uncomfortable in the Beginning

There isn’t a way to sugar-coat the experience: it is a bit uncomfortable in the first few days of wearing braces. You’ll be at the Summerville orthodontist’s office for a few hours for the placement of the brackets and wires. Then, in the next few days, you will feel pressure and minor pain as the teeth start to move. So take it easy with your favorite movie and soft foods after you are done with the first appointment.

It Gets Better with Time

Within the first few weeks, you will get used to the feeling of having braces on your teeth. After that, the uncomfortable feeling starts to become “normal,” and you will be more comfortable talking and eating.

Oral Hygiene is Essential

Brushing and flossing are more important than ever, mainly because it’s easy for small bits of food to get caught in the braces. In addition, cleaning your teeth is a crucial step to prevent cavities in the areas where the food particles are collected.

Not only do you need to brush twice a day, but use flossing threaders to ensure you can clean between your teeth. Your Summerville orthodontist and their office staff will offer tips for cleaning your teeth with braces.

Schedule a Consultation with a Summerville Orthodontist

If you want more information, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with a local orthodontist. Reach out to our experienced team at Crescent Moon Orthodontics to learn more about your options. Our goal is to help you create a smile that you can proudly share with everyone you meet. Contact us for a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for braces. 

School Lunch Ideas for Kids with Braces | Charleston Orthodontist

Charleston Orthodontist

Is your child finding it challenging to enjoy lunch at school because braces limit the types of foods they can eat? Here are a few tips from a Charleston orthodontist about planning healthy school lunches that are easy to eat with braces. Your child will enjoy these tasty meals they can pack for lunchtime.

Ideal Foods to Eat with Braces| Charleston Orthodontist

What are the best types of foods to eat while wearing braces? A Charleston orthodontist will recommend soft foods, especially in the first few days after getting braces or visiting for the monthly orthodontics checkup and tightening.

Focus on soft foods that are high in nutrition, like:

  • Smoothies
  • Protein shakes
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Soup
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Oatmeal

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Additionally, certain types of foods should be avoided while wearing braces. Stay away from anything that can get caught in the braces, such as:

  • Chips
  • Bubble gum
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Hard candy
  • Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, etc.)
  • Beef jerky
  • Hard bread, like bagels

Foods that Require Special Preparation

Certain foods are difficult to eat without special preparation, including:

  • Corn on the cob
  • Whole apples
  • Carrot sticks
  • Meat on the bone

These foods can be prepared in a way that is easier to eat. For example, use a knife to cut the corn off the cob or thinly slice vegetables and fruit, so they are easy to bite. Before ruling out a food, think about how it can be prepared to make it easier to eat with braces.

School Lunch Ideas

Here are popular menu items you might include in a lunch for your child to take to school:

  • Pasta
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Bananas
  • Sandwiches on soft bread
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Applesauce
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Soup
  • Pancake
  • Yogurt

Charleston Orthodontist: Personalized Recommendations

Rest assured knowing that you have the support of a Charleston orthodontist throughout the treatment process. If you need recommendations for meal planning, oral hygiene habits, or anything else relating to the care and upkeep of braces, then call our knowledgeable team at Crescent Moon Orthodontics. Also, contact us for information about how you and your loved ones can enjoy the many benefits of a straight, beautiful smile.