Keeping your teeth and braces in good nick…

Cleaning your teeth:

• Remember your pink plaque testing tablets? Bet you used them in the beginning and didn't think about them again. A good tip is to get a supply and test yourself once a month to check whether you are cleaning those hard to reach places..

• Cut up food like mango's and mandarins into small little pieces – the fibres can get caught around your brackets and take ages to clean.

• Change your toothbrush more often than you do when you don't have braces. Every time you have a check-up perhaps get a couple of those toothbrushes with the little pointy brush at the top end – you won't find them in a supermarket.

New braces aches & pains:

• New braces can be really uncomfortable for some people and your symptoms can range from raw gums and aching teeth to a dull headache. Drink lots of fluids and ask an adult for suitable pain relief medication, if required.

• Use the wax your orthodontist gave you – this will help prevent ulcers forming and raw patches on the inside of your cheeks. Listen to their advice – they do this for a living!

• Before you have your braces put on, ask your Mum or Dad to make sure they will be able to give you soft meals like soup, scrambled eggs and pasta. You won't always feel like eating but it's important that you do.