Having good oral health is important in every season of life, but can particularly be challenging and more imperative when wearing braces. Improper care of your teeth during this time can cause problems that could prolong your wearing braces. This article will give examples and resources on how you can keep your mouth healthy and white. All while your teeth are becoming straight.
Diet
It is important to watch what foods you are eating always, but especially when you have braces. The American Dental Associtation warns that eating too much sugary foods while wearing braces is unhealthy because the sugar can get stuck around the brackets, causing a build up of plaque. The plaque could stain or permanently damage your teeth. Foods that can easily get stuck in your braces or bracket should also be avoided such as, popcorn, corn on the cob, gum and others. Use your best judgment when choosing foods.
Flossing
As mentioned before, food can get caught in your braces and brackets. The best way to get rid of those unwanted food particles is to floss. To floss with braces, feed the end of your floss through the main arch of wire up to the gum line. Then pull the other end down and gently work the floss between your teeth. Be gentle, as you don't want to pull the wire of your braces out of place.
Brushing
Brushing our teeth removes food, germs, and plaque. It's always important to brush, and will help you, particularly with braces, to have a good clean feeling in your mouth. Be sure to buy a soft bristled toothbrush. According to the Kucey Dental Group, you should brush your teeth from the top of your gum line down to the bottom of your tooth, making sure you are brushing every tooth in the process. Brush two to three times a day, and as always, include a gentle brushing of your gum line, cheeks, and tongue.
Mouthwash
Adding mouthwash to your oral regimen when wearing braces is a good idea. There are specific brands of mouthwash today that you can buy that are geared toward the braces wearing population. These mouthwashes specialize in preventing white spots from forming as a result of the brackets, remove excess food particles, freshen breath, prevent tartar and plaque, and kill germs. As said, germs, plaque, and food particles like to hide out in brackets, so this is just extra assurance that your teeth are indeed getting clean.
Irrigation Devices
If you find that flossing with braces is too difficult or time consuming, there are irrigation devices you can purchase instead. These devices spray a stream of water that you can localize to get food particles and tartar out from your braces and in between your teeth.
Keep Your Appointments
Always remember to maintain your dentist or orthodontist appointments when wearing braces. Neglecting these visits with your doctor can result in problems with your braces and teeth, resulting in your having to keep them on longer. The goal of braces is to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Your oral healthcare provider will be able to ensure you best that that is exactly what happens with your braces investment.
I hope these simple tips have helped you understand how important it is to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces, and that it is fairly easy! Follow these tips and you will end up with a healthy, white, and straight beautiful smile.