Braces are an important tool for people of all ages to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Dental braces align the teeth, straighten crooked teeth and fix gaps between them. However, this isn’t enough; dental hygiene is just as important during orthodontic treatment as it is after removing braces. Properly caring for your braces can help ensure that they last longer and ensure you have a healthy, attractive smile. Read on to learn more about how to keep your dental braces clean.
Clean Your Teeth Daily
Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush while wearing dental braces is essential. Braces are made of metal and can trap plaque and bacteria on the teeth if they are not adequately brushed. This can result in discolouration and cavities. Fluoride toothpaste is important for strengthening your teeth, preventing decay, and helping fight gum disease. Dentists also recommend using dental floss at least once a day to help remove any food particles that may be stuck around the braces.
Use Specialized Dental Care Products
Specially designed dental care products such as oral irrigators, interdental brushes, or rinses can help clean teeth when wearing dental braces. These products may make reaching difficult areas between brackets and wires easier than traditional brushing methods cannot reach. Additionally, specialized dental care products can help reduce plaque and bacteria build-up around the braces.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental visits are essential for all individuals, regardless of whether they have braces. During a dental checkup, your dentist can examine the condition of your teeth and gums and any damage or wear that may have occurred due to wearing braces. Your dentist can also provide helpful advice on how to clean your braces properly during each visit.
Avoid Certain Foods
When wearing dental braces, it’s important to avoid eating certain types of food that can cause damage to the brackets and wires. Dental experts recommend avoiding sticky foods such as gum, candy, and caramel; crunchy foods such as chips and popcorn; hard foods such as nuts, ice, or hard candies; and chewy foods such as bagels. It’s also important to cut food into smaller pieces for easier chewing and to reduce the chances of damaging your braces.
Dental Wax
Dental wax is a product that can help protect your gums from irritation caused by the brackets and wires in your braces. Dental wax should be applied directly on the brackets or wires, causing discomfort and relieving any pain or soreness. Dental wax is easily removable, and it's always a good idea to have some on hand if you experience irritation while wearing braces.
Dental Hygiene
Good dental hygiene is essential for anyone with dental braces. Dental visits should be scheduled every six months so your dentist can check the condition of your teeth and gums and any damage to the braces caused by poor oral hygiene habits. Additionally, remember to brush and floss twice a day and use specialized dental care products such as interdental brushes or oral irrigators to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces.
Conclusion
Maintaining good dental hygiene while wearing braces is essential for achieving a healthy, beautiful smile once they have been removed. Brushing twice daily, using specialized dental care products such as oral irrigators, avoiding certain types of food, and visiting the dentist regularly can all help ensure that your teeth remain healthy while wearing dental braces.
FAQs:
1. How often should I visit my dentist when wearing braces?
Answer: Dental visits should be scheduled every six months for individuals with dental braces to check the condition of their teeth, gums, and braces.
2. What types of food should I avoid when wearing dental braces?
Answer: Dental experts recommend avoiding sticky foods such as gum, candy, and caramel; crunchy foods such as chips and popcorn; hard foods such as nuts, ice, or hard candies; and chewy foods such as bagels while wearing braces.
3. What type of products can help keep my braces clean?
Answer: Specialized dental care products such as oral irrigators, interdental brushes, or rinses can help clean teeth when wearing dental braces. Dental wax can be used to reduce discomfort caused by the brackets and wires of the braces.
