Taking Care of Your Braces and Teeth

The moment you get back home from the orthodontist, you’ll notice that the task of brushing your teeth twice a day is not a simple activity anymore. Brushing your teeth and flossing with braces requires some training and a lot of patience. Braces are awesome at pulling together gaps and straightening teeth, however, it can be strenuous to take appropriate care of these little wires and brackets. If you do not take care of your braces, the wires and brackets can slide and break. Below are five important tips to achieve optimal results when taking care of your teeth and braces.

Brushing Your Teeth with Braces

Brushing is important for teeth and braces care, however, it is essential to know how to do it correctly since it should be done carefully. First, use fluoride toothpaste to help kill bacteria living between your teeth and on and around your braces. Additionally, utilize a soft toothbrush to brush the front, bottom, top, and back of each tooth in the morning, after each meal, and before going to bed.

Flossing Your Teeth with Braces

Forgetting to floss can can create plaquebuild-up between your teeth which can lead to blemishes along the sides of the braces. If you have trouble, be sure to use a floss threader to assist you. Floss regularly by inserting few inches of floss through the loop of the threader, then guide the threader behind the wire between the brackets where you would like to floss. Once threaded behind the wire, you can remove the threader and floss between your teeth without the wire getting in the way. Follow the same steps for each tooth.

Visit the Orthodontist Frequently

When you have braces on, you should visit the orthodontist consistently for modification to your braces. Your orthodontist can easily detect any issues and correct them to avoid major issues from occurring. It is also important that you schedule regular visits to your normal dentist while going through orthodontic treatment as regular dental checkups are important to spot any gum infections or cavities.

Toothbrush Care

It is important that you use a clean or new toothbrush to brush your teeth with braces. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or if you see any wear appearing on the toothbrush. An old toothbrush may lose it’s bristles and get stuck in between your teeth or braces. If you are sick, it’s a smart idea is to change your toothbrush afterwards so that germs living on your brush disappear as well.

Avoid Specific Foods

Foods such as chips, carrots, apples, nuts, gummy bears, ice and more can stick to brackets or make them loose. Abstain from eating popcorn and chewing gum. Rather, eat foods such as whole grain bread, berries, fish, milk, and so on. If you have any questions about what foods you should and shouldn’t eat, ask your orthodontists. Your orthodontist can provide you a list of food items that should be avoided throughout the time you have braces to help keep your braces undamaged.

If your goal is to have an amazing smile, be sure to take care of your braces and teeth daily. With braces it is especially important to focus every day on oral hygiene. A poor oral health routine during braces can have a long-term effect on teeth and gums. Taking proper care of your teeth while using braces may take moretime, but it’ll be well worth it and your smile will thank you later.