10 Tips for Taking Care of Your Braces
Having braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. However, taking care of your braces is crucial to ensure the best results and maintain oral hygiene. Here are some essential tips for taking care of your braces:
1. Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal
When you have braces, food particles, and plaque can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing after every meal helps remove food particles and plaque, keeping your teeth and braces clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Consider using an interdental brush to clean around the brackets and wires effectively.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing with braces can be challenging but is essential for preventing gum disease and cavities. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to help get the floss under the wires and between your teeth. This allows you to remove plaque and food particles from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
3. Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck in them, causing discomfort and potential damage. Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, chewing gum, and caramel. Instead, opt for softer foods and cut hard fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
4. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you play sports, it’s important to protect your braces and teeth by wearing a mouthguard. A mouthguard provides a cushion that can prevent damage to your braces and injuries to your mouth from impacts.
5. Attend Regular Orthodontic Appointments
Regular visits to your orthodontist are essential to ensure your braces are adjusted correctly and to monitor your progress. Your orthodontist will make necessary adjustments and check for any potential issues. Skipping appointments can prolong your treatment time and affect the results.
6. Use Orthodontic Wax for Irritation
Braces can sometimes cause irritation to your cheeks, lips, and gums. Orthodontic wax can provide relief by creating a barrier between the braces and the irritated areas. Simply apply a small amount of wax over the brackets or wires that are causing discomfort.
7. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet not only supports overall health but also contributes to oral health. Consume foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients to strengthen your teeth and bones. Stay hydrated and limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay.
8. Avoid Bad Habits
Certain habits can damage your braces and prolong treatment. Avoid chewing on pencils, fingernails, or ice, as these can cause brackets to break or wires to bend. Additionally, refrain from using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
9. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to provide an extra layer of protection against plaque and tooth decay.
10. Stay Positive and Patient
Wearing braces can be a challenging experience, but staying positive and patient is key. Remember that the effort you put into taking care of your braces will pay off with a beautiful, healthy smile at the end of your treatment. If you experience any problems or have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist for advice and support.
Looking To Get Braces in Kitchener?
By following these tips, you can ensure that your braces do their job effectively and that you maintain excellent oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment. A little extra care goes a long way in achieving the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. If you are looking to start your braces journey book a complimentary consult with us today in kitchener Waterloo by giving us a call 519-576-7262
Schedule an appointment today! We’ll help your child become a superhero of oral health, keeping those cavities at bay!
