Taking care of your teeth when wearing braces
Good oral hygiene habits are vital to the health of your teeth, but what happens when you get braces? Having these orthodontic appliances will no doubt make taking care of your teeth a little more difficult. This is why when you have braces, it is absolutely imperative that you take proper care of them to ensure not only that they are doing their job properly but that once they are removed, your teeth will be in perfect condition too.
What happens when you eat while fitted with braces?
One of the unfortunate realities of braces is that they possess countless tiny spaces that are ideal for trapping 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. For this reason, it is imperative that you brush your teeth after every meal – including snacks! You should also rinse with mouthwash and floss at least once a day. This may sound tedious but the failure to maintain your oral hygiene while wearing braces may force the need to have them on for longer or cause stains once they are removed.
How to brush and floss with braces
In order to completely rid your mouth of plaque, your braces will require careful cleaning. There are several steps needed to properly brush and floss your teeth while wearing braces.
- Take out any removable parts such as elastics.
- Clean your braces by holding your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires. Brush from the top of each wire down, ensuring that any particles are removed and do this around both the upper and lower teeth.
- Brush your teeth by cleaning each tooth individually. Angle the brush at 45-degrees from the gum line while applying gentle pressure and working in a circular motion. Use this same motion on all of your inner and outer tooth surfaces.
- Floss twice a day. There are flossing products designed specifically for braces which will make the job a little easier. Alternatively ask your orthodontist about the best way to floss.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly and examine both your teeth and braces to see if anything has been left behind.
Why do I need to visit the orthodontist while wearing braces?
The purpose of braces is to improve the positioning of your teeth. For this reason, you will need to regularly visit your orthodontist so that they can adjust your appliance and ensure that it is still doing what is necessary. A little pain after these visits is normal but if your discomfort becomes extreme, then be sure to speak to your orthodontist. If you are worried about any broken pieces of your braces, bring this to their attention immediately. You will also need to visit a dentist every six months as they will be able to check your teeth for any cavities and gums for any disease.
What foods should I avoid while wearing braces?
Your orthodontist will be able to give you a comprehensive list of foods that you should not be eating but in general, you should avoid anything that is chewy, sticky or hard. Sticky foods such as gum or caramel can potentially get stuck in your braces and become difficult to remove. Crunchy or hard foods can also get lodged in your braces or potentially even snap them when you bite down. Foods and drinks with high sugar or acid content are also harmful as they encourage bacteria to form and turn that sugar into plaque. Avoid or at least limit your intake of sugary foods or brush your teeth as soon as you are done eating to remove the bacteria. Foods with high acid content should be avoided altogether because they can directly erode tooth enamel. You will also want to avoid things like chewing pens, ice or even your nails to avoid damaging your braces.
For more information on taking care of your braces and teeth while wearing them, be sure to speak to one of our trained professionals at SmartSmile Orthodontics Ballina. We will gladly guide you and give you any assistance required to keep your orthodontic appliance in tip top shape.
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