It’s no secret that it’s more difficult to clean your teeth and gums while wearing braces. Food is easily trapped in the wires and between your teeth and brackets. This means it’s more challenging to keep your teeth from decaying while you have braces. Keep the following things in mind so that your teeth stay healthy during their transformation to a beautiful smile.
Brush properly
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for brushing properly with braces. Use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, and brush at a 45 degree angle. Clean every area of each tooth, and gently brush between the wires and your teeth. Also remember to floss every day to reach the areas that your toothbrush cannot access.
Use special cleaning tools
Look for special brushes, flossers, and other tools that can help clean your braces. Many of these are available in your drugstore, and ask your orthodontist for suggestions as well.
Choose approved foods
A proper diet will go a long way in protecting your teeth from decay. Sugary or starchy foods both cause more plaque, which can be hard to reach when brushing. Also, your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid while wearing braces because they might damage your appliances or harm your teeth. For example, sticky foods like gum and caramel can easily get caught in your braces. Hard foods such as candy and nuts can damage your wires and brackets, and hard foods that you bite into like corn on the cob and apples are also risky.
Don’t forget your dentist
Even though you see your orthodontist regularly for appointments, don’t forget to continue with regular visits to your dentist for thorough cleanings.
