We all are familiar with braces. Braces help keep our teeth in position and correctly align them. Braces, like many other accessories, require proper maintenance. For that reason, let’s discuss how to take care of braces properly.
What can happen due to negligence?
Braces can accelerate some different oral problems from a lack of oral hygiene. Braces create a barrier to the gum line, and trap more food between the fissures; this can expedite plaque build-up.
Unfortunately, such build-up can lead to gingivitis, inflamed gums, severe pain, and even bleeding., etc. Bad-breath, increased teeth sensitivity, cavities, and tooth decay are a few problems caused by not taking care of braces properly.
Proper care for your braces.
There are things you can do to avoid getting braces. However, we will look at some things you should and shouldn’t do to help take care of your braces.
Choosing the right brushing kit:
It is best and recommended to use soft-bristled toothbrushes that are when brushing your teeth. Using stiff bristles orbristles or brushing roughly while brushing can cause metal abrasion. In addition, you should select floss with care, making sure you choose a type that can fit in-between your teeth and wires.
Use a mouthwash to combat bad breath; again, you should select mouthwash with caution. Choose a mouthwash that doesn’t discolor the metal of your braces. .
Brush regularly every day; try to brush after every meal to remove any stuck food debris effectively. Floss and use mouthwash at least once a day to maintain top-notch oral hygiene. It is best to visit your dentist and follow their advice to ensure you are practicing good hygiene and using products that can benefit you.
Following a suitable diet:
With braces comes dietary restrictions. To ensure you are taking care of your braces, you should adhere to your recommended diet. Try avoiding the following foods:
Hard-shelled and tough food:
It would help if you tried to avoid hard food like nuts, popcorn, crunchy snacks, and chewy meat like steak at any cost. Such foods cause metal abrasion or can break the connecting wires.
Sticky food:
Items such as candy, peanut butter, or jam whose remnants can get stuck on the braces or in-between braces and teeth are off-limits. This sneaky stuff tends to accelerate plaque build-up, and we know what happens next.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables:
Although fibers are fantastic for oral health, braces tend to turn the equation around. Due to braces, fibers from such foods stick to the gum or teeth more quickly. Nevertheless, if you brush every time you have an apple, you are good to go.
With such imposing restrictions, it seems like braces are taking the joy out of eating. However, you can still enjoy many softer foods like:
- Milk.
- Soft Cheese.
- Soft Bread.
- Tenderized meat.
- Flavored yogurt and other dairy products.
Contacting your dentist:
We recommend visiting your dentist regularly to ensure your oral health is in good. If you are looking for to schedule an appointment with us, you can easily call us 979-421-9685.
Following these tips can help you take care of your braces, causing you to eventually get a perfect smile.
Are you looking to get braces? If so, you can visit our website to schedule an appointment and to learn more about braces and how we can help!