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We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before prior to your orthodontic treatment.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Byron Diehl and our team at the office recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; just ask us for a recommendation!

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Dr. Diehl and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our Redlands, CA office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Dr. Diehl's office during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Questions? Please let us know below or on our Facebook page. You may also give us a call!

With fall sports close to wrapping up and winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Diehl Orthodontics will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however, Dr. Byron Diehl and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps! Dr. Diehl and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook. Stay safe!

Thank you to everyone for participating and 'liking' Diehl Orthodontic's Facebook page. We are excited to report we are currently at 308 likes!

Don't forget to tell your family and friends to 'like' our page and that every click of their mouse goes to support local non-profits including Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Bonne Meres and The Believe Walk.

We are running this program through December 31, 2011. Thank you for your support and for helping Diehl Orthodontics make a difference in our community.

See you on Facebook!

All of us at Diehl Orthodontics want to remind you to "Like" us on Facebook for a good cause! This fall you can join us in supporting a few local non-profit organizations with the simple click of a mouse!

For every person who “likes” us on Facebook through December 31st, Dr. Diehl will make a donation to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Bonne Meres and The Believe Walk. Please share our Facebook page with your friends and family, and help us make a difference.

Thank you in advance for helping us support these wondering causes!