05 May 2017 Tips For Braces Care
Proper oral care is integral to maintaining a healthy mouth and strong teeth. But good oral care is especially important for people who wear braces. If you do not brush properly, food and plaque can build up on your braces and cause tooth discoloration and gum irritation. To ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment, you should follow our five tips for braces care.
1. Brush Properly
Brushing your teeth properly is more difficult when you have braces. Food can easily get trapped in your braces, so it is necessary to brush after every meal. First, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush along the gum line using small circular motions. Second, position your toothbrush on top of the brackets and brush in a downward motion. Last, brush below your brackets in an upward motion, making sure to also brush your wires.
2. Brush Between Your Brackets
Brushing in between your brackets is key to avoiding gum irritation and bad breath. People with braces can benefit from using an interdental toothbrush to remove food and plaque from the spaces between their brackets. Using the interdental toothbrush is easy. Simply insert the interdental toothbrush between your brackets and use several up and down motions to remove debris from the space.
3. Floss Regularly
Daily flossing is an important part of braces care. Dentists and orthodontists recommend flossing after meals to remove bits of food that are stuck between your teeth or on your brackets. To floss your teeth, you should insert the floss between your teeth and the braces’ wire. Then, gently work the floss back and forth between your teeth and the braces in a sawing motion. If you have trouble maneuvering the floss under the wires, you can purchase a floss threader or a special floss with a stiff tip.
4. Avoid Certain Foods
Another important aspect of caring for your braces is avoiding foods that can damage your braces. Hard and chewy foods can loosen or break your braces and should be avoided for the duration of your orthodontic treatment. In order to maintain healthy braces, you should avoid the following foods:
- Chewing gum
- Caramel and taffy
- Apples, raw carrots, nuts, and pretzels
- Corn on the cob
5. Keep Your Dental and Orthodontic Appointments
An essential part of caring for your braces is regularly visiting your orthodontist and dentist for care. Your dentist can provide you with cleanings and exams to maintain your oral health, and your orthodontist can help straighten your teeth and give you guidance on how to care for your teeth while you are wearing braces. These specialists can ensure that you stay on the path to attaining optimal oral health and the straight teeth that you desire.
If you still have questions or concerns about how to maintain healthy braces, please feel free to contact the friendly staff at Holladay Family Dental in Holladay, Utah.