Braces – congratulations! You’ve just made a fantastic decision to pursue a smile that is not only straight but also reflects your confidence. Braces are a reliable method to achieve your dream smile but will demand extra care to ensure that teeth and mouth stay clean. The tiny particles of food, which might not be noticeable, can get stuck between the brackets, wires, and bands quickly, leading to a high possibility of decay or gum disease.
Oral hygiene with braces is not difficult, but certainly not easy to maintain. This is possible as you will come to understand by simply paying attention to the suggestions below, and it will ensure your teeth are glowing from start to finish of your orthodontic treatment.
Brushing with Braces
The brushing will keep at bay all the plaque and bacteria that build up. If you want to brush effectively while wearing braces, here are a few tips:
- Brush more often. Try to brush your teeth more often. You should aim for a 2-minute brushing at least twice a day, if not brushing after every meal and snack you have in order to remove all the food particles that get stuck around the braces.
- Choose the right tools. The best tools are those that can easily access all the crevices of your braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with as narrow a head as is practical.
- The brushing technique matters. A brushing method has the most value. Incline your toothbrush at a forty-five-degree angle and carefully brush the tips of your brackets, the bottoms of your brackets, and also the face of your teeth. Utilize a circular motion while brushing all sides of each tooth.
- Don't forget your tongue and gums! The tongue and gums also require some attention! Brushing the tongue helps with bad breath by cleaning bacteria and their cells. On the other hand, brush the gums gently to encourage blood flow and maintain their health.
Flossing with Braces
As much as brushing is important, flossing is equally essential when you have braces because pieces of food can easily get stuck between your teeth, and only flossing can effectively remove them. Some tips on how to floss while having braces include:
- Some special tools are required for the work at hand, and a floss threader is an example of the type of thing that you might find useful. It’s a tiny plastic device to help you guide the floss under your braces.
- A water flosser may not just be an expensive piece of equipment; it’s a lifesaver. This device utilizes water to eliminate the gaps that exist between the teeth, thereby improving one’s dental health significantly. When considering the challenges of regular flossing with orthodontic appliances, water flossers are highly recommended for use.
- Ask your orthodontist for tips on flossing. They will be able to teach you the most effective method of flossing for your particular type of braces.
Diet and Braces
Your oral hygiene with braces can be considerably affected by what you eat. It is good to know the following things:
- Steer clear of sticky and hard foods. They are likely to become lodged in your braces, potentially causing damage. For instance, sticky foods such as candy bars and caramels are not easy to get rid of; when they stick around longer, you are at risk for decay. Meanwhile, hard foods like nuts or raw vegetables can also do harm by breaking or bending your brackets and wires.
- Chop tougher foods into tiny bite-size pieces; this will make them less strenuous for the choppers and will help protect your braces.
- Select snacks that are healthy. You can choose fresh fruits, yogurt, or even sliced and diced veggies for convenient toothpick snacks.
- Try to drink enough water to help keep your mouth healthy by flushing out particles that can remain trapped between teeth.
Taking Care of Your Braces
- Behave gently with your brace; don’t fiddle with it or pick at it with your fingers.
- Use dental wax. The orthodontist can give you dental wax, which you will then take and apply small quantities of to any sharp edges of your braces that are likely to cause irritation to your cheeks or lips.
- Don't chew on ice or hard candy. It is advisable to avoid chewing ice or hard candy as they can damage the braces and even cause tooth cracks.
- Keep up with your regular dental checkups. With braces, it is recommended that a dentist checks your teeth every six months. That way, they can see if you have any cavities or signs of gum disease and also make sure that the braces are functioning as they should be.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces
- Carry an oral hygiene kit: Pack a small toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash in your bag so you can freshen up on the go.
- Use orthodontic wax: If your braces are irritating your cheeks or gums, you can use orthodontic wax to create a barrier. Talk to your orthodontist about the best way to use wax.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease. It's best to avoid smoking altogether, especially while you have braces.
- Be patient: Taking care of your teeth with braces takes a little extra effort, but it's worth it for a healthy, beautiful smile. With a little practice and dedication, you can maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment.
By following these tips and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment, you can ensure a healthy smile and a successful outcome.
Achieving a straight, healthy smile is within reach! Our leading Dentist in Frisco, TX, offers expert orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Their friendly team creates personalized treatment plans using braces to transform your smile. They prioritize exceptional oral hygiene during treatment, ensuring a healthy foundation for your new smile. Schedule a consultation at Smilebreeze dentistry and start your journey to a confident smile today!
