In order to improve their smile and straighten misaligned teeth, many people choose to undergo orthodontic treatment using braces. However, wearing braces requires extra care and attention to maintain good oral hygiene.
Your treatment’s success can be increased with proper dental and orthodontic maintenance. So this article provides expert advice on caring for your teeth with braces.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing are essential components of proper oral hygiene, especially when wearing braces. Braces create more areas for food particles to get stuck, making it easier for bacteria to accumulate and cause tooth decay.
In order to keep your teeth and braces clean, it is imperative that you brush and floss frequently.
Pick fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth.
Utilizing circular motions, begin by scrubbing your teeth and braces at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Make sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, particularly after meals.
While flossing can be difficult while wearing braces, it is important to do so to eliminate plaque and food fragments from between your teeth and braces. To get the floss between your teeth and under the wire, use a floss threader.
Gently move the floss up and down, removing any debris. You can also use a water flosser to flush out any stubborn particles.
Rinsing with Mouthwash
Along with brushing and flossing, mouthwash use can aid in maintaining the cleanliness of your braces and mouth. Mouthwash can reach areas that a toothbrush and floss cannot, helping to remove bacteria and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
When choosing a mouthwash, look for one that is alcohol-free and contains fluoride. Alcohol-free mouthwash is less harsh on your mouth and braces, while fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing, swishing it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds. After rinsing, make sure you spit it out and wait at least thirty minutes before eating or drinking.
Dietary Restrictions
While wearing braces, it is essential to be mindful of what you eat. Certain foods can damage braces or cause tooth decay, leading to dental problems. Avoid items like popcorn, nuts, sweets, and chewing gum that are hard, sticky, or chewy because they can get stuck in your braces.
Instead, choose soft, simple-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, cooked veggies, and applesauce. To make it easier to chew and prevent biting into tough, crunchy food, cut your food into small pieces.
Keeping your mouth moist and washing away food residue can both benefit from drinking lots of water.
Regular Orthodontic Check-ups
Regular orthodontic check-ups are essential to ensure your braces are working correctly and to identify any potential issues. Your orthodontist will check on your progress and adjust your braces as needed to ensure they are moving your teeth correctly.
During your check-ups, your orthodontist may also recommend additional dental treatments like fluoride treatments to protect your teeth from decay. They may also provide additional advice on caring for your teeth with braces.
Protecting Your Braces
Accidents can happen, and braces can be damaged or broken, leading to discomfort and prolonging your treatment time. Therefore, it is essential to take extra care to protect your braces.
Avoid biting into hard objects, such as pens or pencils, and do not use your teeth to open packages. If you play sports, protect your braces against damage by wearing a mouthguard.
If a bracket or wire becomes loose or damaged, contact your orthodontist immediately to schedule a repair appointment.
Conclusion
Caring for your teeth with braces requires extra time and attention, but it is essential to maintain good oral health and ensure your treatment is successful. Be sure to Follow the expert advice above, and you will have a healthy, beautiful smile to show off once your braces come off.
Transform your smile with the best braces in Manassas at Solarte Orthodontics. Our expert team offers orthodontic treatments for adults and children, helping you achieve the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted.
With our free orthodontic consultation, there’s never been a better time to take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Book your appointment with us today!
