If we talk about how Oral Hygiene is helpful, braces are very common amongst kids and adults. Everyone, especially teenagers, wants a beautiful perfect smile; thus, they opt for orthodontic/ braces treatment. Dental braces are typically worn by those who need to straighten their teeth and correct their bite.
When you wear an orthodontic appliance, such as dental braces, it is critical to maintaining proper oral hygiene because your teeth are prone to plaque and food particles that become stuck around the brackets and bands of your dental braces.
Proper oral hygiene should always be a top priority. When you’re wearing braces, that takes on a whole new meaning. You’re looking forward to having a straight smile once the braces come off.
However, if you don’t take extra precautions during the process, you may have yellow stains, tooth day or white spots. Let’s take a look at these oral hygiene tips to follow while wearing braces to ensure you enjoy that smile in the end.
8 Tips to Maintain Your Oral Hygiene While Wearing Braces
Brushing regularly is essential.
Brushing your teeth regularly is not a novel concept. When you have braces, however, you must step up your routine.
Food enjoys hiding in the nooks and crannies of braces. And failing to brush your teeth properly exposes them to the formation of white spots, tooth decay, and gum disease— everything you don’t want to deal with once your braces are removed.
Brush your teeth three times per day. Also, replace them regularly because your toothbrush bristles are likely to wear out faster with braces. Brushing braces is best done with an electric toothbrush.
Avoid certain foods
Because your teeth may be more difficult to clean while wearing braces, it’s best to avoid foods that cause gum and tooth enamel damage.
Plaque buildup around your metal brackets is caused by eating high in sugar and starch foods. Cavities, tooth staining, and even gum disease can result from this. You should also limit your intake of high-acid foods. Soft drinks, pineapples, and tomatoes contain acid, which can erode the enamel on your teeth. You can’t get the enamel back once it’s gone.
Hard, crunchy foods can cause damage to the braces themselves. When you bite into a crunchy apple or a piece of ice, the wires may bend, and the brackets may pop off. Sticky foods can pull metal brackets out of place, necessitating additional visits to the orthodontist.
It would be best if you also watch what you eat when you go for a tooth removal. Some braces treatments demand the removal of wisdom teeth. If you have removed your wisdom tooth, take proper care after the removal of your wisdom teeth to speed up healing. Do not eat hard food on that side, do not touch that area frequently, avoid a hot diet for a few days, etc.
Use a Different Type of Brush
Before brushing regularly, use an interdental brush to clean and loosen debris. The small bristles can reach around wires and brackets, getting into places that a regular toothbrush cannot.
Use a mirror to ensure that you get in between each bracket and wire. Make an effort to be gentle. Don’t be overly aggressive and damage your braces.
Make flossing your habit
Without a doubt, braces can make flossing more difficult. So, many people avoid it. However, flossing is necessary to remove plaque buildup that a toothbrush cannot reach.
Use an orthodontic flosser or floss threader to make this task easier.
It will also be a little easier if you use wax floss. It slides more easily between your teeth, reducing the possibility of it becoming entangled in your braces. Floss at least once a day, regardless of what you use. Don’t put too much pressure on your gums. Being too rough on your gums can cause irritation and infection.
Always rinse your mouth
Rinsing should be your new best friend when it comes to braces care. This is because it facilitates the cleaning process. It can also protect your enamel and fight gingivitis.
Before brushing, give your mouth a quick rinse with water to loosen any food that has become trapped in your braces. After you’ve finished brushing your teeth, use an antiseptic mouthwash. Swishing it around will help reduce biofilm and inflammation, both of which can lead to gingivitis. It also gives you fresh-smelling breath, which is always a plus.
Eliminate Chewing Habits to Protect Your Braces
Unconscious habits that can damage braces are something that many people do not consider.
Those who like to bite their nails or chew on the lid of a pen can unintentionally pop brackets off or bend wires. If you come in this category, try to find other ways to keep your hands busy, such as fidget spinners.
Biting into food, for example, can cause damage or jam food into your braces. Eating with a knife and fork will help keep this problem at bay.
If you enjoy sports, you should always wear a mouthguard. The last thing you want is to get hit in the mouth with something and have to go back to the orthodontist for more brace repairs.
Go for Invisalign
If you are too lazy to take care of your oral hygiene while wearing braces, go for Invisalign. This type of orthodontic treatment does not demand wires and brackets. Thus, you can clean your teeth easily and maintain oral hygiene. To know more about this procedure, check out Invisalign treatment in Calgary.
Keep all dental and orthodontic appointments.
Regular visits to your dentist and orthodontist will ensure that your teeth are well cared for. They’ll be able to perform professional cleanings and detect any signs that a problem is brewing in your mouth. A professional can also teach you how to fix the issue before it worsens.
It’s critical to maintain an open line of communication with them and their staff. Even if you don’t have an appointment, calling with questions or concerns can prevent problems and keep you up to date on the best brace care.
Conclusion
It’s Worth It to Take Extra Care While Wearing Braces. There’s no denying that maintaining proper oral hygiene while wearing braces requires extra time and effort. However, having that perfect smile to enjoy once the braces are removed will make it worthwhile. So, go for it because beautiful rewards demand little hard work!
