Top Tips for Cleaning your Braces

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Here are some tips for keeping those braces sparkling:



-One tooth at a time. Brush one tooth at a time for at least 10 seconds per tooth.

-It's all about the angle! Brush each tooth and bracket at an angle with your toothbrush to make sure you get in all of the crevices. Proxy brushes (the tiny cone shaped brushes) are great at reaching difficult areas.

-Eat & Clean.. when in braces it is very important to brush after every meal.

-Like a Boy Scout- always be prepared! Making a to-go kit with a travel toothbrush and floss is the best way to keep your teeth clean.

-Flouride is your friend! Flouride helps prevent cavities. This also includes the MI Paste that we often talk about at your appointments.

-Don't forget the Pro's! It is your job to keep your teeth clean everyday, but it is equally important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams throughout your orthodontic treatment.

A Sweet Tooth

So let's admit it... all of us like to splurge every once in a while and treat ourselves to something sweet. But that isn't always the easiest thing to do when you are wearing braces. Sometimes it means forfeiting your favorite gooey or sticky snack... Well we have found a yummy recipe that is sure to melt in your mouth and is safe for your braces!

BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIES


1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
(Optional: 1 cup butterscotch bits)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine oil and brown sugar, using an electric mixer and blending well. Add eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt, then add vanilla.

Spread batter into a greased 9″x9″ pan. If desired, sprinkle 1 cup of butterscotch bits over the top. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees. After cooling one minute, swirl the bits with a knife to give a marbleized effect.

Cover pan with foil to keep brownies soft, or cut them in squares and store them in a covered container.

Keep your teeth Clean & Healthy

If you are looking for a great way to keep your teeth clean and healthy in addition to brushing and flossing, we recommend using new MI Paste. This product has the ability to deliver calcium phosphate and fluoride directly to the teeth, helps prevent tooth decalcification, can repair any permanent stains, and can also reduce tooth sensitivity.

So how do you use MI Paste?

• Apply the paste at bed time after a thorough brushing

• Place a pea sized amount on your finger and rub onto teeth at the gum line and areas of decalcification (permanent staining). Repeat for other arch

• Leave the paste in place for 3 minutes and then rub the teeth with your tongue

• Do NOT eat, drink or rinse after use for at least 8 hours

This product is not recommended for anyone with an allergy to milk protein or hydroxybenzoates.

Lactose intolerant patients CAN use MI Paste.

MI Paste is not to be used in place of your regular toothpaste. This is a wonderful product that can give great results if used regularly. This product is available for all of our patients to purchase in our office, and makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!