Good oral care should be an important part of everyone’s daily routine. It keeps your teeth and gums clean, preventing the onset or progression of oral diseases like tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath. But this may be challenging if you have braces. Braces can make you more prone to dental problems.
Our team of expert family and cosmetic dentist ensures you keep your teeth clean even with braces by guiding you through this informative blog. So keep reading!
Why is oral health important for people with braces?
Proper oral care is always crucial in preventing oral problems, but it becomes exceptionally important while undergoing orthodontic treatment like braces. Oral care becomes more challenging with braces due to metal brackets and archwire, since it may hinder proper accessibility to brushes and dental floss. You may be prone to gum disease which can be severe if left untreated.
How do you brush your teeth with braces?
You must take extra care while brushing your teeth with braces. You may be advised to brush your teeth often, more than 2 times to remove food and debris from the metal brackets and archwire. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste. A toothbrush must be replaced more often with braces since the bristles may fray away more quickly due to metal brackets.
How to floss teeth with braces?
Flossing your teeth every night after brushing is important even if you have braces. Braces are known for trapping food in places that are hard to see or reach. You are recommended to use special dental floss known as “threader floss” to floss around the wires.
What foods to avoid with braces?
Your dentist will recommend avoiding certain foods while having braces. These foods can get stuck to your metal brackets and archwire or can be hard on your teeth, making brushing and flossing challenging. This may make you prone to plaque and calculus accumulation.
Avoid the following foods for better oral health with braces:
- Chewing gum
- Candies
- Toffee
- Caramel
- Gummy bears
- Sticky peanut butter
- Nuts
- Apples
- Carrots
- Chips
- Sodas
- Ice cream
- Cookies
Whatever type of braces you have, it is essential to follow proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist or orthodontist regularly. Opting for orthodontic treatment like braces is a momentous decision toward improved oral health and a beautiful smile. Inculcating healthy oral habits through proper brushing and flossing, and diet restrictions can effectively improve the prognosis of your orthodontic treatment.
