Whether you need to close gaps, correct crooked teeth, or improve your bite, braces will make your smile more beautiful. Consisting of wires and brackets, these devices apply slight force to gradually shift teeth into the ideal position. While the results can be amazing, you need to develop new dental care practices throughout the treatment to maintain optimal oral health. Here are a few general guidelines to follow when you get braces.

Do:

Brush after eating.

Since it’s easy for food to get stuck around the brackets and wires, plan on brushing more often.

For the best protection, brush every time you eat a meal or snack. When brushing, use gentle circular motions to lift debris without dislodging the wires or brackets.

Use floss alternatives.

Clean your teeth and gums with alternative floss solutions.

A water flosser, for example, produces a gentle jet stream to remove plaque and food particles. Interdental brushes can also slip around wires and brackets to clean hard-to-reach corners.

Stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated will make it easy for your mouth to produce saliva, washing away food residue and protecting teeth from decay.

Drink at least half a gallon of water per day. Opting for water can also help you avoid sugary drinks that stick to enamel and accelerate decay.

Don’t:

Eat hard snacks.

Foods that are sticky, chewy, or crunchy should be avoided, as the extra pressure from chewing could damage your dental appliance. Common offenders to keep out of your kitchen include bagels, hard candy, popcorn, and nuts.

Eat softer foods whenever you can. Items such as eggs, potatoes, pasta, and yogurt are easy on your braces and provide nutritional value.

Play sports without protection.

Without protection, any kind of impact to your mouth could seriously damage the wires and brackets.  

If you participate in sports, always wear safety gear, including helmets. You can also ask your dentist for a custom mouthguard to wear during activities.

Ignore damage.

Any damage to your braces—such as snapped wires or loose brackets—should be fixed by your dentist as soon as possible.

If you leave these problems unaddressed, your braces won’t shift the teeth correctly, prolonging the treatment and delaying results.

 

When you’re ready to improve your smile, turn to Family Dental Center. Serving the Southern Ohio area, this dentist combines gentle practices with advanced resources, making wearing braces more comfortable. Whether you need to start treatment, fix damaged brackets, or get adjustments, this team will provide thorough care to keep your treatment on track. Visit them online to learn more about these capabilities, or call (740) 773-4066 to schedule a consultation.