How To Take Care Of And Maintain Your Braces

Maintaining your braces plays a large role in your treatment’s success, but it’s common for patients to forget the basics of how to do so. In this blog, we discuss how to take care of and maintain your braces.

Frequent Brushing

It may seem obvious, but maintaining a regular brushing schedule is imperative to the success of your orthodontic treatment. Lack of regular hygiene can lead to gum disease, bad breath and even other health concerns. Now that you have a wire over your teeth, food and beverages can more easily become stuck and trapped between your teeth and the wire. To combat this, we’d recommend at least light brushing after every meal to prevent build-up.

Flossing 

Patients don’t enjoy flossing, and while we understand that it’s a tedious and even potentially uncomfortable process, it’s a necessity to floss at least once a day. Once again, this action will help to prevent food from being left stuck between your teeth and possibly leading to gum disease and other issues. Explore different flossing options to find the best solution for you. While we all know about the regular string floss, you could also try the stick flossers or a water flosser.

Eat Casually 

It may be tempting to dig into the candy cupboard; however, you should be very mindful about the foods you choose to consume while wearing braces. In general, you want to avoid anything hard and sticky that can become stuck to your braces or even potentially break them. Furthermore, be careful with foods like popcorn, which can easily get stuck between your teeth. Try to choose snack options that are better suited to your treatment plan, and ask your orthodontist which foods to avoid if you need precise guidance. 

Use Flouride Toothpaste

Choosing the right toothpaste can go a long way. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste because it has been proven to aid in the fight against tooth decay and make your teeth stronger and healthier. In addition to toothpaste, you could also look at adding fluoride mouthwash to your daily dental care routine if you want to improve your dental health.

A Little Goes A Long Way 

While it may seem daunting to maintain your orthodontic treatment and dental hygiene, remember that a little goes a long way. Try to introduce one step at a time so that you can build a sustainable dental routine that works for you. 

When it comes to your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Kirk Bartlett will provide you with the extra advice and support you need for a successful outcome. Contact us today for your free consultation.