How to Take Care of Braces?

Regardless of what type of orthodontic treatment you are undergoing which can vary from lingual braces, ceramic braces and metal braces, it is important that you understand and know how to look after them properly. Looking after your teeth braces properly will help in making them more effective as well as keeping them more comfortable which means that you’re a step closer to attaining that perfect smile.

So, here are 4 tips on how to take care of your teeth braces and ensure that your oral health remains in check when you have braces:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Establish a good oral care routine and follow it religiously to give your teeth the best possible care that they need. There are more places for food debris to get stuck and hide in amongst your teeth and wires which can lead to a buildup of plaque over time. Make sure that you follow your dental routine religiously to avoid any further oral complications and include the following two oral care practices into your dental routine:

• Brushing with Braces
  Make sure that you only use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, move your brush in small circular movements to let the bristles reach under your gum line and around your teeth braces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, moth and the roof of your mouth prior to rinsing as well.
• Flossing with Braces
  Flossing can be a bit difficult when you’re wearing braces but it is a cleaning procedure that must not be ignored. Flossing is effective in removing any food debris and plaque build-up that occurs in between your teeth and amongst your braces. You can choose between either flossing tape or floss threaders, whichever is easier for you.

2. Watch Out For the Foods You Eat

You should avoid certain foods that can damage or break the wires brackets of your braces. Avoid any foods that are sticky, crunchy or hard such as chips, hard fruits, corn on the cob, caramels, taffy, crusty bread, pretzels and popcorn.

Limit your sugar consumption as bacteria on your teeth tend to feed on this excessive sugar which can lead to tooth decay. You can opt to eat foods such as plain yogurt or cheese which are sugar-free foods and keep yourself well hydrated to keep both your body and mouth feeling refreshed.

3. Protect Your Braces with a Mouthguard

Getting a mouthguard for you or your child’s braces may be a bit more expensive than a regular mouthguard but fortunately it will be well worth the price if it protects you or your active child’s soft tissues and teeth against any damage that may be incurred while playing sport or sleeping such as unconscious tooth grinding.

4. Follow the Instructions Given by Your Orthodontist

Your orthodontist may give you some extra instructions such as placing rubber bands on your braces at certain times. Your dentist’s instructions are given according to your individual needs and will help you optimize the results that you expect from your teeth braces.

Having teeth braces requires you to pay a bit more attention to your mouth than but the results are always worth it. Contact us at Putnam Orthodontics in Briarcliff Manor to better care your braces and prepare for them coming off faster to reveal your new and improved smile.