Top Tips on how to take care of your braces
Clean teeth and healthy oral hygiene is necessary since braces can easily trap food and plaque. When that happens, the chances of tooth decay increases.
Let us look at some helpful tips to ensure your child’s braces stay clean and in good shape so that they can function properly.
1. Brush and floss after meals and right before bed
The American Dental Association advises brushing two times daily. This is important for everyone. But it’s essential for those with braces. Food tends to get stuck in braces pretty easily, which can lead to acid buildup and cavities. This is why most orthodontists advise brushing four times per day; in the morning after breakfast, lunch, school, dinner, and bedtime. The extra brushing helps the mouth stay debris-free, helps fight cavities, and prevents potential damage to the braces.
Brushing alone can’t remove all the food particles between your teeth, especially with the brackets and rubber bands. Some helpful flossing tools are dental picks, floss threaders*, super floss, and waterparks, which are all great tools that provide more powerful flossing solutions for braces. Each tool is designed to improve the effectiveness of flossing for those wearing braces.
2. Swish with water after eating
Swishing water around the mouth after meals is a great way to remove bits of food caught in braces. The water will be able to get rid of a lot of the stuck food, but harder-to-reach debris will need to be brushed or flossed away.
Besides, swishing warm salt water can relieve irritation from braces, reduce the possibility of an infection, and promotes a healthy mouth.
3. Replace toothbrushes regularly
Replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months is recommended for healthy and clean teeth. Children and teenagers with braces wear out their toothbrushes faster. This is mainly from the damage to the bristles by the braces. In addition to the 3-4-month rule, if the bristles are getting worn or frayed, it is time for a new toothbrush.
4. Stay away from hard and sticky foods
While without braces, hard and sticky foods can damage your teeth. The damage is worse with braces. Hard food can cause the bands or wires in braces to snap. Sticky foods, on the other hand, can get wedged in the braces and can be really difficult to remove. For children and teenagers with braces, these types of food should be avoided to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
5. Visit your dentist
Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are essential while you have braces. The orthodontist helps straighten teeth. The dentist is there to make sure they stay healthy. Braces make teeth more prone to plaque and tartar accumulation, so cleanings are more important now than ever. Therefore, we recommend frequent or 3-month cleanings.
Pediatric and Orthodontic care at Adventure Dental
From your child’s first visit to regular checkups and orthodontic treatment, Adventure Dental makes going to the dentist and orthodontist fun for kids and adults! For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call for an appointment with Adventure Dental today at (360) 604-9000
