Hey Brace Face! Do you know how to take care of all that shine hard wear you are now so stylishly sporting? Dr. Carter has compiled a list of proper care to keep those pearly whites in top health for the duration of your orthodontic treatment. The better care you take of your braces, the more comfortable and effective they’ll be, and the quicker you’ll be able to say “bye-bye” to that extra metal in your mouth.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
The time is now! Embrace brushing and flossing to keep your teeth extra clean while wearing your braces. You’ll want to be gentle when you brush or floss in order to avoid damaging the wires and brackets.
Use a toothbrush with a soft headand a toothpaste with fluoride. We recommend brushing after every meal, as foods are more likely to get stuck in your braces, encouraging the buildup of plaque. The same goes for flossing – make sure to get all that food stuck in between your teeth out. Be gentle with the floss. Thread it carefully between the tooth and the braces’ wire, then work it slowly back and forth between the teeth and braces. Remember that too much force when flossing can damage your braces.
Foods to Skip
A good rule of thumb is to skip any sticky, chewy or hard foods. Sticky foods, such as caramels or gummy candy, are likely to get stuck. Crunchy foods such as popcorn or hard pretzels can also get lodged in the braces or can cause them to snap when you take a bite. Ouch!
Now is also a good time to work on any bad habits like nail biting or crunching on ice, or chewing on pen caps. You can easily damage your braces chewing on anything too hard.
Protecting Your Braces
If you play sports, it’s important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.Troubleshooting Your Braces
