Tips for Looking after your Dental Braces

Getting dental braces can be both overwhelming and exciting. On one hand, you will soon have the perfect set of teeth, and on the other, you will have a mouth full of metal that will defiantly need full attention and care. You need to prepare yourself for the fact that looking after your teeth now while you have braces will be more difficult. Whether you wear ceramic, invisalign clear aligners, lingual, or metal braces, it is important to know how to look after them correctly. Braces have many spaces to trap food, therefore this food then causes plaque, which can lead to dental problems. Once you take care of them properly, it will make them much more effective and comfortable, and you are one step away from the perfect smile. Here are some helpful tips on ways to look after your dental braces.

• Brush your Teeth  

Brushing your teeth is important for everyone, but more important if you wear dental braces. Plaque and food can get trapped between your braces and teeth. Use a soft toothbrush to access these hard to reach places. If you prefer an electric toothbrush then that is ok too. It is recommended you brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal you eat. Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food that may be stuck in and around your braces. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums. Once your gumline is cleaned, hold the toothbrush downwards on the top of the brackets and then at an upward angle to clean the bottom of the brackets. Once you have finished brushing rinse your mouth again.

• Floss your Teeth  

You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Floss between the braces and under the wires. If you find flossing tape difficult, use a floss threader or interdental brushes. These can be purchased in your local pharmacy or supermarket. Flossing will help reach any smaller food particles that are stuck in your braces and between your teeth and remove any plaque buildup. Always be gentle when flossing, too much pressure could damage your braces.

• Avoid Certain Foods 

It is important to be aware of what foods you eat while wearing braces. Avoid any foods that are sticky, chewy, hard, crunchy such as corn, chewing gum, fruit, caramel, all of these can become stuck and hard to remove from braces. Also, avoid starch or sugary foods or drinks. These will cause staining and decay around your brackets. The stains can be permanent and will be a little obvious once you get your braces removed, this will not ensure you achieve the perfect smile.

• Visit your Orthodontist regularly   

For the duration of time, that you wear your braces, you will need regular checks with your orthodontist for adjustments to your appliance. After your adjustment, you may experience some tightness or even a slight amount of pain. This is only temporary. If you have any concerns regarding your appliance, any problems with broken parts it is important to consult your orthodontist. You can also visit your dentist for regular checkups for any signs of gum disease and cavities. Your dentist will make sure your teeth stay healthy during your treatment. Here are some tips for better oral health!

• Be Mindful   

Common reasons for broken or loose brackets are certain habits like chewing pens or pencils and biting of fingernails. Replace any of these habits with a stress ball. It is important to remember the more damaged your braces become, the longer you will be wearing them.

Taking good care of your dental braces should be your number one priority in avoiding any complications while they are on and therefore you will end up with perfect looking teeth when they come off. Your treatment plan with your orthodontist is designed to get your teeth in proper alignment as quickly and as safely as possible. Be mindful of all the above tips and you will walk away with a beautiful healthy smile.