SHARES
Getting braces on to have the perfect smile is undeniably exciting and a big deal to many. However, it is important to take good care of the braces and teeth throughout the orthodontic treatment. This is because braces can make oral care challenging and tricky. When you do not take proper care of your teeth or braces, problems may arise leading to disruption of your orthodontic treatment plan.
Here are some simple tips on how to care for your braces and oral health:
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Brushing your teeth with braces
Braces, springs, wires and other appliances attract food debris and plaque forms easily. This can lead to decay, gum disease or teeth staining if not brushed away. It is best to brush your teeth and braces after every meal to remove any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Keep a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste handy around you to make sure your mouth stays clean.
Using a soft bristled toothbrush helps to get around areas which are harder to reach and won’t harm your braces.
Image source
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Using mouthwash
Your orthodontist may recommend using certain mouthwashes such as fluoridated mouthwash to make your teeth stronger and reduce tooth decay. Besides that, it is good to also rinse your mouth with water to remove any food particles in your teeth and braces throughout the day.
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Floss, floss and floss
Flossing with braces (video source)
Flossing while wearing braces can be challenging but should not be ignored. This habit is important to prevent problems such as tooth decay and bad breath. To floss easier under the wires, use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser (superfloss) which can be found at pharmacies. Moreover, you can try using interdental (or interproximal) brush that goes between the teeth if you have gap between your teeth or behind the wires.
Interdental brush (Image source)
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Watch your diet
Generally, most foods can still be eaten if they are cut into smaller bite-size pieces. Nevertheless, there are certain foods which are off-limits when wearing braces such as chewy, sticky, hard or crunchy food. Needless to say, these foods can damage wires and brackets or become stuck and become difficult to remove from the braces. For instance, dried fruits, caramel, chewing gum, ice and nuts.
Furthermore, eating too many sugary and starchy foods may also cause plaque build-up around the brackets. This can cause cavities or gum disease if not cleaned properly.
Image source
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Listen to your orthodontist
Braces are not fun, they hurt and make talking and eating difficult. However, the discomfort is only temporary, so it is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to have the best outcome. Keep up with your appointments to ensure your treatment progress is on track. Routine dental check-ups are also important to ensure good dental health throughout your orthodontic treatment.
No matter how long your orthodontic treatment is, the outcome is always rewarding if you follow all the instructions and advices given by your dental professionals. Do your part with the above tips and you will have the perfect smile when the braces come off!
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
