5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Braces

Maintaining your oral hygiene while wearing braces is crucial for preserving the health of your teeth and gums. With braces, there’s an increased risk of staining, cavities, and gum problems, particularly in children, which can have long-term consequences.

The aim of braces is not just to enhance the appearance of your smile but also to improve your overall oral health. Therefore, it’s vital to prioritise meticulous care of your teeth during this period. This will safeguard against damage to your braces and promote the health of your teeth and gums.

By adhering to our five top tips for taking care of your braces, you can ensure that your orthodontic journey results in both a radiant smile and optimal oral health for the future.

1. Maintain Good Overall Oral Health

In addition to caring for your braces, don’t neglect the rest of your mouth.

Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel. Choose a fluoride alcohol-free mouthwash with antibacterial properties to reduce plaque and gingivitis.

Use a tongue scraper to brush your tongue; this will help to remove bacteria and leave you feeling fresh.

Employing a proper brushing technique after meals removes trapped food particles and reduces the risk of plaque accumulation around braces. Interdental cleaning tools like proxabrushes, floss, or water flossers effectively target tight spaces between brackets and wires.

While brushing with braces, thoroughness is key; devote attention to hard-to-reach areas where food tends to gather. Drinking plenty of water aids in dislodging and rinsing away food particles that get stuck to your braces.

2. Be Gentle

It’s essential to balance thoroughness with gentleness when caring for your braces to prevent damage and discomfort.

Use light pressure while brushing and flossing to safeguard your braces, as excessive force can loosen brackets and bend wires. Additionally, avoiding habits like nail-biting, pen-chewing, and using teeth as tools is crucial to protect your braces from harm.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle or engage in contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is advisable to shield both your teeth and braces from potential injury. Custom-fitted mouthguards provided by orthodontists offer the highest level of protection in such scenarios.

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3. Avoid Foods & Eating Habits

While wearing braces there are foods you should be eating and others you should avoid. The way you eat is also important.

To avoid breaking or damaging your braces as well as causing pain, here is a list of foods it is best to avoid.

Hard foods: Foods that require effort to bite into, such as bagels, hard rolls, apples and nuts should be cut into smaller pieces before being eaten.

Sticky foods: Foods which cling to the tooth surface should be avoided as they tend to remain stuck for long periods. Some examples include caramels, chewing gums, and sweets.

Sugary and processed foods: Foods like sweets and sugary beverages can promote demineralisation and result in subsequent tooth caries.

Crunchy foods: Foods like popcorn and ice should be completely avoided during orthodontic treatment as the force used to crush them inside the mouth can lead to the breakage of the braces.

When adjusting your mealtime habits with braces, it’s wise to err on the side of caution. Opt for manageable bites using utensils like forks or spoons instead of attempting to bite directly into food.

While it may seem inconvenient at times, this approach is not only safer but also more conducive to maintaining and caring for your braces. Additionally, it helps minimise the risk of experiencing discomfort while eating.

Following adjustments to your braces, you may experience soreness in your mouth. Cold drinks and soft foods like yoghurt can offer relief from this discomfort.

Your orthodontist may offer specific dietary guidelines during your treatment. Adhering to these recommendations is crucial to avoid damaging your braces and can help you achieve optimal results.

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4. Attend Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are necessary for ensuring the effectiveness of your braces and identifying any issues early on.

Your orthodontist will make necessary adjustments to your wires and brackets during these appointments to make certain your teeth continue moving in the desired direction. Moreover, these check-ups are integral for maintaining your overall oral health while wearing braces.

Your orthodontist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums, detecting signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral issues. Addressing these concerns promptly helps prevent more significant problems from arising.

Your orthodontist serves as your ally in achieving a straighter, healthier smile, offering guidance, support, and expert advice during check-ups. They can answer questions, provide tips on proper oral hygiene and brace care, recommend suitable products, and ensure you’re effectively cleaning your teeth and braces.

By attending regular check-ups, you pave the way for successful orthodontic treatment with braces, achieving a straighter, healthier smile with minimal complications.

5. Patience is Key

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is paramount with braces to prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease. While it may require extra time and effort to clean around brackets and wires, patience is essential in establishing and maintaining good habits throughout treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is a gradual process, not a quick fix. It’s important to be patient with yourself and trust the process. Consistency in your oral care routine and following your orthodontist’s guidance are key.

Your dedication will be rewarded with a radiant, confident smile that reflects your efforts. Stay dedicated to your treatment plan and maintain a positive outlook during your orthodontic journey. With patience as your ally, you can attain the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always desired with braces.

Overall…

Caring for your teeth with braces requires diligence and commitment, but the results are well worth the effort.

By combining these essential tips with bluem®’s range of oxygen-enriched care products, you can maintain good oral hygiene, protect your braces, and ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment. Remember, a healthy smile starts with good oral care habits, even with braces!

Embrace the journey, stay committed to your oral care routine, and before you know it, you’ll be unveiling a beautifully transformed smile that’s a testament to your dedication and perseverance.

Here’s to a future filled with confidence, one radiant smile at a time!

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Remember; healthy mouth, healthy body.