Straightening your teeth is a long and sometimes challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be unpleasant or uncomfortable. Braces can help give you the smile of your dreams, so why not make the most of it? Here are some top tips that will help you enjoy your braces while waiting for that perfect smile.
Having braces means extra attention needs to be given to oral hygiene. This is essential in order to avoid tooth decay and gum disease during treatment. Brushing twice daily with an electric toothbrush (which reaches areas regular brushes cannot) and flossing once per day with waxed dental tape should become part of your routine when wearing braces. Additionally, using an antiseptic mouthwash will help to keep bacteria levels down and ensure that your braces are kept clean.
When brushing with braces, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and hold it at the 45 degree angle suggested by your orthodontist. Make sure to reach every dental surface by gently moving back and forth, up and down, as well as from side to side. This will help ensure all food particles are removed from between brackets and wires. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too!
Flossing might seem more challenging with braces but it is still important in helping maintain healthy teeth and gums. Start by cutting a piece of waxed dental tape that is 18 inches in length and can fit comfortably between your fingers. Gently press the floss between each teeth, being careful not to snap it as this may cause damage. Move up and down several times to ensure all debris has been removed before moving onto the next tooth.
Using an antiseptic mouthwash is another way to help maintain good oral hygiene when you have braces. This should be used at least once per day for optimal results, although more frequent use is even better if possible. Additionally, try to limit certain foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy or sticky candies that could become lodged in the brackets and wires of your braces.
Protective gear such as a mouthguard should be worn while participating in contact sports or activities, to avoid damaging the braces or injuring your mouth. You can purchase a custom-fitted mouthguard from an orthodontic supply store, or you can make one at home by boiling plastic in water and molding it around your teeth for a snug fit.
It is best to start wearing protective gear before any major damage comes to your braces. Most orthodontists suggest that children begin wearing protective gear once they have their first set of braces, although adults may also benefit from doing so if they are participating in sports or other contact activities.
Not all sports are suitable for when wearing braces, but there are some that you can do without any risk of damage to your braces. Swimming and running are both perfectly safe while wearing braces, as they involve minimal contact with someone else or a hard surface. Additionally, softball and baseball may be played if protective gear is used to cover the braces.
As always, it is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions when it comes to wearing protective gear. Having a custom fitted mouthguard will ensure that your teeth and braces are properly protected from any kind of contact. Furthermore, it is important to remember that you should never participate in sports without wearing the necessary protective gear.
When wearing braces, there are certain foods that should be avoided or modified to help prevent damage and keep your teeth healthy during treatment. This includes hard and chewy foods such as nuts or sticky candies which could become lodged in the brackets and wires of your braces. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables with their skins removed can also help reduce wear on the brackets and wires.
Soft food is generally easier to eat while wearing braces as they don’t require a lot of chewing or biting. This includes food such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, and steamed vegetables. Soups and stews are also a good option as they combine several soft foods into one meal.
Cutting your food into smaller pieces will make it easier to chew while wearing braces. Chopping fruits or vegetables into small pieces can help reduce the amount of pressure placed on each bracket when you bite down on them. Additionally, cutting foods like steak or pork chops into thin slices can help prevent damage to wires and brackets from hard bites.
Sticky foods such as taffy, caramel and gum should be avoided while wearing braces as they can become lodged in the brackets and wires. Additionally, it is best to avoid hard foods such as nuts, apples or carrots that require a lot of biting or grinding to chew.
Having braces can be a challenging process, but with these tips you can make sure your treatment goes smoothly. Eating braces-friendly foods like soft fruits and vegetables help reduce wear on the brackets and wires, while wearing protective gear during sports activities will protect your mouth from damage. Additionally, good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash are essential for keeping your teeth healthy throughout the course of orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Answer: It is important to wear protective gear such as a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or activities. This will help reduce the risk of injury and protect your teeth and braces from any damage.
Answer: You should avoid sticky and hard foods like gum, taffy, nuts, apples and carrots that require a lot of chewing or biting. Cutting your food into smaller pieces can make it easier to eat while wearing braces.
Answer: Yes! Regular brushing and flossing are essential for keeping your teeth healthy while wearing braces. It is also important to use an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing to further reduce the risk of infection and gum disease.
