Dealing with braces can be challenging, especially when food gets stuck and gums feel sore. Cleaning around wires can also be tricky, making oral hygiene more difficult. With proper care, you can keep your braces clean and your teeth healthy.
Dental braces care is essential for maintaining strong teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Braces straighten teeth, but poor care can cause plaque, cavities, and treatment delays. Keeping your braces clean and protected is easy with simple daily habits. Braces care means brushing, flossing, avoiding harmful foods, and using the right tools. By following the right steps, you can keep your braces in excellent condition and enjoy a smooth orthodontic journey.
In today’s blog, we’ll share five essential tips on how to take care of braces. These easy steps will simplify cleaning, protect your brackets, and help you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
What are the 5 Tips on how to take care of braces?
Braces align the teeth, but caution should be observed so that they remain in good oral condition. Neglecting braces care can cause plaque, bad breath, and damage to wires and brackets. With proper habits, your braces can stay clean, and your treatment can be smooth and hassle-free.
Here are five essential tips on dental braces care to help you maintain a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey!
1. Maintain a Strict Oral Hygiene Routine
Good braces care is started with a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing after every meal using a soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is the initial step to proper braces care. Place your brush to brush above and below the brackets to thoroughly remove plaque.
Flossing is also important but can be challenging with braces. Use floss threaders, orthodontic floss picks, or a water flosser to reach between your teeth and wires. When food particles and plaque accumulate, they cause cavities and gum disease, which will prolong your orthodontic treatment.
2. Use a Mouth Rinse for Extra Protection
A fluoride mouthwash prevents cavities and hardens enamel and an antibacterial mouthwash calms aching swelling gums. Warm salt water rinses can soothe and heal pain if your gums hurt from your braces.
Mouthwashes not only dislodge food particles that brushing and flossing might otherwise leave behind but also leave mouths feeling clean, and they are the perfect addition to your how to take care of braces routine.
3. Eat Braces-Friendly Foods
Your diet plan is a large part of orthodontic braces maintenance. Certain foods are destructive to brackets and wires, but others promote healthy gums and teeth.
Foods to Avoid:
- Hard foods
Popcorn, nuts, hard candies - Sticky foods
Caramel, gum, gummy candies - Crunchy food
Raw carrots, whole apples, chips - Chewy foods
Bagels, tough meats, large bread rolls
Braces-Friendly Foods:
- Soft dairy
Yogurt, cheese, milk (high in calcium for healthy teeth) - Soft foods
Bananas, apples that are sliced, berries - Cooked vegetables
Mashed potatoes, and carrots that have been steamed - Protein foods
Scrambled eggs, soft chicken, tofu, fish - Whole grain foods
Oatmeal, bread that is soft, pasta, rice
Adhering to these food restrictions will keep your teeth and braces healthy during treatment.
4. Use a Mouthguard for Sports & Activities
Taking care of braces while engaging in physical activities is a crucial aspect of how to take care of braces. In case you play contact sports such as football, basketball, or hockey, use a mouthguard to protect your mouth and your braces from being damaged. Non-contact sports, such as skateboarding, are also risky.
If a wire or bracket is broken, glue over any sharp edges with orthodontic wax and see your orthodontist as soon as possible to avoid delays in your treatment.
5. Attend Orthodontic and Dental Appointments
Orthodontic check-ups keep your braces in the right position, keeping your treatment exactly on track. But do you know that attending a visit with our dentist is equally important?
Braces make it easier for plaque and tartar to build up, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Professional dental cleanings every three months help keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces. Our dentist may also apply fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel.
Final Thoughts
Dental braces care doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By maintaining good oral hygiene, eating the right foods, wearing a mouthguard, and keeping up with dental visits, you’ll protect your braces and ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you have doubts or need advice, SuperCare Dental & Cosmetics staff are available at all times to help you.