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 Now that you have braces, it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment, says Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo. While we trust you will continue brushing and flossing on a regular basis throughout your treatment at Meade & Riolo Orthodontics, you also have to mindful of what you eat. Our team will tell you that while all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, these treats can actually damage your teeth and braces!

Sour candies, which many people like to snack on,  can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. If you do indulge in eating these candies at some point during your treatment, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These foods will help neutralize the acid in your mouth.

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too—researchers have discovered the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine just as you did before your braces. This includes visiting your dentist here in Ypsilanti, MI every six months, brushing and flossing daily and using an antibacterial mouthwash, as well as visiting Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo for your regular adjustment appointments.

For more questions about foods you should avoid while wearing braces, or if you have any general questions about your treatment, we encourage you to give us a call, ask us at your next adjustment appointment or ask us on Facebook!

We have a mountain of congratulations to wish our lovely assistant, Haley! First and foremost - she and the love of her life, John, were just recently married! And in no time at all, they have just purchased their first house together! We are so incredibly happy for Haley and John! Next time you're in the office, be sure to ask her if she is all unpacked yet! Congratulations, Haley!

We have a mountain of congratulations to wish our lovely assistant, Haley! First and foremost - she and the love of her life, John, were just recently married! And in no time at all, they have just purchased their first house together! We are so incredibly happy for Haley and John! Next time you're in the office, be sure to ask her if she is all unpacked yet! Congratulations, Haley!

While braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy mouth and teeth, you might experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. As your teeth begin to move, it is natural for your teeth to feel aches and your jaw to develop soreness.

If there are broken wires or loose bands on your braces, a sore tongue, mouth, or canker sore will occur. Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo urges those who experience a sore mouth or any of the following problems to call our office to schedule an appointment.

• Loose brackets: Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth.
• Loose bands: These must be secured in place by our dentist. Try to save the band for repair.
• Protruding or broken wires: The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse.
• Loose spacers: These will need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods can also help or hurt you while you’re wearing braces. Remember to cut your food into small pieces that can be easily chewed. You will want to avoid hard and chewy foods that can break your hardware. Foods such as corn on the cob, nuts, carrots, apples, ice, and bubble gum should be avoided.

Braces, rubber bands, springs, and other mouth appliances associated with braces will normally attract food particles and plaque. Without the proper care, this could cause staining of your teeth.

Our staff at Meade & Riolo Orthodontics recommend brushing after every meal or snack and carefully removing any food that might be lodged in the braces. A fluoride mouthwash might be helpful as well as flossing. At your next appointment, Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo can advise you how to floss with a brush specially designed for braces!