“Nothing you wear is more important than your smile” – CONNIE STEVENS
But crooked, gapped, rotated or crowded teeth can impact your confidence while smiling. That is why many people turn to dental braces to improve the appearance and alignment of their teeth.
Unfortunately, many people neglect their braces and don’t take proper care of them. This can lead to prolonged treatment time and discomfort and enhance the potential for dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
So, if you also have dental braces and you want to make your journey to a flawless smile smooth and comfortable, you should know the tips for braces care. In this guide, we will discuss dos and don’ts for braces care.
Do Brush Your Teeth Carefully After Every Meal
Keeping your teeth and braces clean is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring effective treatment. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and, ideally, after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth thoroughly. Pay special attention to the areas around the brackets and wires, as food particles can easily get trapped there. Consider using an interdental brush or an electric toothbrush for more efficient cleaning.
Do Floss Daily
Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the wires. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to clean around your braces and each tooth properly. Consistent flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease, contributing to a healthier smile.
Do Protect Your Teeth If You Play Sports
If you participate in contact sports or activities where your mouth is at risk of injury, wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard will protect your braces and teeth from damage. Custom-fitted mouthguards are available through your orthodontist and provide the best protection. Even for non-contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is a good idea to avoid accidental damage.
Don’t Eat Foods That Can Damage Your Braces
The food options you choose while having dental treatment can damage your braces and prolong your treatment. So, dentists recommend you should avoid hard foods and sticky food items. Instead, opt for soft foods or a liquid diet. Cutting your food into smaller pieces can make eating easier and prevent damage to your braces.
Don’t Bite Your Nails Or Chew On Pencils
Chewing on hard substances such as nails, pencils, or pens is also not advisable as it will harm the braces and may take longer time to correct the teeth. This can also lead to unnecessary discomfort and pain. Therefore, it is advisable not to bite nails or any other hard object during the course of the treatment.
Don’t Remove Elastic Bands
Elastic bands play a crucial role in aligning your teeth as per your jaw properly. So, experts recommend wearing them for 24 hours or as instructed; you can only remove them when you have to brush your teeth. Removing or not wearing them consistently will only delay your treatment and affect the final results.
Don’t Miss Your Orthodontic Appointments
Regular check-ups and dental appointments are vital for monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments to your braces. So, make sure you schedule your appointment at least once every 4-8 weeks. Missing appointments can delay your treatment and increase the risk of complications.
The Bottom Line
Caring for braces is a little more challenging than caring for your natural teeth, but it is definitely worth it. So, if you stick to the aforementioned dos and don’ts, you can maintain good oral health while having pain-free orthodontic treatment.
At Mint Dental Care, we have a team of highly skilled dental professionals who are committed to providing our patients with the best orthodontic treatment. We have modern state-of-the-art equipment to provide a complete range of dental treatments. We strive to develop long-lasting relationships with our clients.
Remember, a smile is a curve that sets everything straight. So, taking care of it is an investment in your future. With proper care, you can achieve your desired smile. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us and schedule your appointment to make informed decisions about your oral health now!
