As a wearer of braces, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid practices that may cause damage to them. It takes constant dedication to follow the instructions given by your dentist or orthodontist to ensure the success of your treatment.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of maintaining teeth with braces and provide you with some essential how-tos to help you keep your teeth and braces in top condition. From tips on brushing and flossing to advice on what food to avoid, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your teeth with braces.
So, whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, read on to discover the importance of proper care and maintenance during your orthodontic treatment journey.
Why is It Important to Maintain Your Braces Clean?
Braces have traditionally been there for a very long time. It is popularly known as an orthodontic treatment that helps to fix certain teeth problems that you may have, like crooked teeth. It is usually popular with children, but some adults have braces.
Among the features of braces is that it is undetachable, which means that it stays on your teeth 24/7 while the treatment is ongoing. Also, among the cited difficulty with braces is that food may most likely get stuck on your metal wires. This definitely is an issue if you are not diligent in maintaining your teeth healthy since plaque buildup may occur.
Not because you visit the dentist every now and then, you are free from the obligation of taking care of your teeth. Remember that braces increase your chances of getting cavities if you are lazy to maintain them properly.
How To Properly Maintain Healthy Teeth With Braces
Regular Check-Ups
Regular dental appointments are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and ensuring your braces treatment progresses smoothly. Your orthodontist needs to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your braces as needed. Skipping appointments or delaying treatment can lead to complications and prolong the duration of your braces treatment. It’s understandable to feel like appointments are a hassle, but they are necessary for the success of your treatment.
Attending your appointments can prevent tooth decay and avoid any damage to your braces or teeth. Keep in mind that your orthodontist is there to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile, not to profit from your visits. So, don’t be tempted to skip appointments or neglect your oral health. Make it a priority to attend all your scheduled appointments and follow your orthodontist’s instructions to ensure a successful and timely treatment.
Kumra Orthodontics, a leading orthodontist in Washington, DC, has a team of experienced orthodontists who create healthy and beautiful smiles with braces. Contact them today to schedule your next check-up and ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong throughout your orthodontic treatment journey!
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing with braces needs much more effort than those who do not have braces. Generally, you are advised to at least brush twice daily, but the story is different with braces.
It is important to brush your teeth every meal that you have since that food debris may get stuck in your braces. Generally, you must brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, and it would be better to brush them with a small toothbrush size with soft bristles. But your dentist may recommend another brush they believe is best for you.
However, brushing is not enough since it won’t reach all of the crevices and cracks between each tooth where foods might get stuck. Flossing properly may help rid foods stuck between your teeth. With braces, flossing may also be much more difficult, so you must dedicate more time to ensure that no foods are left behind. It is also recommended to use waxed floss to avoid tears or getting stuck with your metal braces.
Mouthwash
Of course, caring for your teeth does not end by simply brushing and flossing your teeth. It is still essential to have a last rinse with mouthwash. Its purpose is to eliminate other places where bacteria may still be present. It also has other benefits, such as avoiding the risk of gum diseases.
Diet and Oral Health
It must be noted that knowing how to maintain and take care of your teeth properly is not the only factor in having a healthy smile. What you eat also matters.
Having braces means that you have to give up some foods you eat. This is because these foods may break or loosen your braces. In general, you are not allowed to eat sticky or hard foods.
Here are some foods that you want to avoid when you have braces:
- Chewing gum or chewy candies
- Hard foods such as candies, hard crackers, nuts, and popcorn
- Corn on the cob
- Fruits and vegetables that are hard, like apples and carrots (cut them into smaller pieces before eating)
- Bagels (tear them into small pieces before eating)
- Sugary and acidic foods or drinks
Remember, following these dietary restrictions can help ensure your braces treatment is successful and you achieve the best results possible.
Maintain a Good Dental Care Habit While Wearing Braces
Taking responsibility for the care of your braces is crucial as it can impact the effectiveness of your treatment. It’s important to be mindful of your actions and the food you consume.
Being cautious and following your orthodontist’s instructions can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the dental clinic due to broken braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene and taking care of your braces ensures that your treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.
