Undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces is a step toward improving your oral health and smile. Proper care during this period is beneficial when aiming for the best possible outcome from the treatment. Caring for your braces involves many steps and establishing a routine can help you navigate the process.
Keep Braces Clean Daily
Maintaining oral hygiene is necessary when you have braces, as food particles can easily become trapped in brackets and wires. You should brush your teeth after every meal to remove plaque and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying careful attention to cleaning around each bracket and along the gumline. Flossing daily is also beneficial; while it can be more challenging with braces, using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser helps you navigate around the wires to clean between your teeth.
Watch What You Eat
Your diet plays a role in protecting your braces from damage. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can bend wires, break brackets, or pull your appliances loose, which may lead to treatment delays and extra appointments. Being mindful of your food choices will help keep your treatment on track and avoid unnecessary repairs.
To protect your braces, it is helpful to avoid certain types of food, such as:
- Hard foods: Items like hard candies, nuts, and ice can break or damage brackets and wires.
- Chewy foods: Foods such as caramels, taffy, and gummy candies can get caught in your braces and are difficult to remove.
- Sticky foods: Gum and other sticky substances can wrap around your hardware and pull it away from your teeth.
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn and chips can get lodged between your teeth and under your wires, making them hard to clean out.
Protect Braces During Sports
Participating in sports or other physical activities requires extra precautions to protect your mouth and braces. A direct impact to the face could cause significant damage to your lips, teeth, and orthodontic appliances. Wearing a mouthguard is highly recommended during any contact sport or recreational activity where there is a risk of facial injury. You can get a specialized orthodontic mouthguard that is designed to fit comfortably over your braces. This protective gear provides a cushion to absorb the force of an impact.
Manage Discomfort Safely
It’s normal to feel some discomfort when you first get braces or after adjustments. A few ways to help manage the soreness include:
- Soreness from pressure: The pressure on your teeth as they move may cause soreness. This usually subsides within a few days.
- Irritation from brackets: Brackets can irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips. Orthodontic wax can help create a smooth barrier to reduce irritation.
- Salt water rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can provide relief and soothe sore areas.
- Contact your orthodontist: If the discomfort persists or becomes severe, reach out to your orthodontist for advice.
Stay Committed to Braces Care
Consistent care throughout your orthodontic treatment is key to achieving a healthy, straight smile. Following your orthodontist’s instructions, maintaining consistent oral hygiene, and being mindful of your diet can support the effectiveness of your treatment. Following consistent braces care can help prevent complications and helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. For advice regarding your orthodontic care, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
