New Page 1

MONGIOVI ORTHODONTICS

VINCENT D. MONGIOVI, D.M.D.

Brushing: It's more important than ever to brush 3 to 4 times a day and floss regularly when you have braces. Please remember to clean especially by the gum-line, an area which is often overlooked. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may develop decalcifications or cavities around their braces. So, please take care of your smile. Remember to see your general dentist regularly for cleanings and check–ups.

Athletics: Please wear a mouth guard during all contact sports. Do not use the traditional “boil-n-bite” mouth guards, for they do not compensate for future tooth movement and will not fit properly over your braces. Orthodontic mouth guards are available in the office. Just ask us for one. In case of an accident involving the face or teeth, check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone our office at once for an appointment.

Foods To Avoid: You do not want to place any excess pressure on your braces or wires that may cause them to become broken or dislodged. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should also be avoided. Broken appliances can prolong your treatment time. Please use common sense.

Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can do great damage! Foods high in sugar must be avoided as well, since sugary foods cause tooth decay. Here are some examples

Sticky/Chewy Foods:

Chewing Gum (all kinds)
Gummy Bears etc.
Gushers
Taffy
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starbursts

Hard Foods:

Nuts
Chips and Pretzels
Hard taco shells
French bread crust/hard sandwich rolls
Corn on the cob
Bagels
Ice
Jolly Ranchers
Pizza crust
Fruits and Vegetables (such as Apples and Carrots) should be cut into small pieces and eaten carefully

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy
Sugary Drinks such as Soda and Kool-Aid

BEFORE & AFTER | LOCATION | KIDS CORNER | NEWS