Taking care of your teeth when you have braces
Having braces is a step in the right direction towards beautiful teeth and great oral health. To ensure the best results from your orthodontic treatment, you will need to be taking great care of your teeth, even while you are wearing braces.
While it is true that taking care of your teeth while having these oral appliances can be a little tricky, with a few adjustments, tips and tricks, it is by all means possible!
Eating with braces
When you have braces, a few things should be taken into consideration during mealtimes. One of these is that braces comprise of many small spaces that can trap food. If this trapped food is not cleaned and brushed away, it will cause plaque which can eventually lead to other more severe dental problems such as dental decay and gum disease.
Another issue you may experience at mealtimes (if you are not careful) braces breakage. This occurs if you are biting into hard food or enjoying a particularly sticky sweet treat. With careful planning, mealtimes don’t have to be a struggle
In fact, you don’t even have to avoid hard foods such as apples. Simply chop your apple into bite-size pieces and enjoy! The same goes for many other foods, simply cutting them into more manageable pieces means you can enjoy most of your favourite dishes.
Avoiding sticky foods that may adhere to your braces is also a good idea. Don’t dismay. If you are feeling a little stumped with regards for what to whip up at dinner time, simply hop on over to our “soft meals” recipe collection available on our website.
Brushing up on your dental hygiene
As we’ve mentioned, food becoming stuck between your braces can be more than just a nuisance and can lead to decay if not removed properly. This is where a solid oral hygiene routine comes in. Not only will this ensure that this morning’s cookie isn’t making an appearance each time you smile, but it will also help to minimise your chances of decay.
Try your best to brush after every meal to remove your appliance of any food debris. You should use a toothbrush with a soft head to access those hard-to-reach areas. Electric toothbrushes with small heads are a super option for those who wear braces.
Begin by brushing at the gum line of your teeth, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums. Once you’ve cleaned your gum line, hold your toothbrush at a downward angle on the top of your brackets, and then at an upward angle to clean the bottom of your brackets.
Interdental brushes should be incorporated into your oral hygiene routine. These handy little guys are made to reach in between your wires and provide a good clean in an area that is difficult to address – even with an electric toothbrush.
Flossing is an important step in any oral hygiene routine – even if you have braces! Flossing helps to remove any plaque build-up, as well as any smaller food particles that are stuck in your braces or between your teeth. Remember to be gentle when you’re flossing. Try not to apply too much pressure. Go slowly, otherwise, you could damage your braces, which would mean finding yourself back in the orthodontist’s chair.
Visit the dentist
When you have braces, you will be making frequent trips to the orthodontist. This does not mean that you no longer need to see your dentist. Your dentist is your primary oral care provider and plays a relevant role in your orthodontic treatment by ensuring the health of your teeth.
Taking care of your teeth when wearing braces will ensure that you get the most out of your treatment and the most out of your smile!
