Orthodontic braces can boost confidence and strengthen oral health, but while your braces are doing their work, it’s time to establish some new habits to protect your orthodontic investment and achieve a healthier smile.
Wondering how to take care of your new braces? Our team of dental experts has compiled some tips on how to help you navigate life with braces and improve your oral health along the way.
The Importance of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time (the “two-by-two” plan) is likely already a part of your dental hygiene routine, and it’s just as important during your orthodontic treatment. Removing food particles and plaque is an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile, and even more so with braces. Braces present the perfect hiding spots for food and plaque to build up and can create ample opportunity for tooth decay and gingivitis to develop.
Here are some tips that can help you easily care for your braces:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth.
- Use a gentle, circular motion while brushing with a soft bristled brush.
- Skip the whitening toothpaste. It will only whiten your teeth around the brackets, which may lead to a two-toned smile when your braces are removed.
- Don’t forget to remove rubber bands or other removable orthodontic accessories before brushing your teeth.
- Brush your teeth after every meal. This will keep food from building up and keep cavities at bay.
Don’t Forget Floss and Mouthwash
When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is the first line of defense against tooth decay. Adding floss and mouthwash to your routine can help catch anything left behind after brushing and keep your smile even healthier.
With braces, floss with a threader or other aid to help target the area between each tooth, removing food particles your toothbrush couldn’t reach. After flossing, rinse with mouthwash to further clean those hard-to-reach areas, which can help boost your overall dental health.
Focus on Braces-Friendly Foods
Getting started on orthodontic treatment requires some adjustments – particularly in your eating habits. Taking smaller bites using a fork or spoon can help reduce the risk of breaking braces or causing unnecessary pain or discomfort. Certain foods can be difficult to chew with braces or may damage your wires, brackets, or other orthodontic appliances.
Foods to avoid with braces may include:
- Popcorn
- Hard or sticky candies (i.e., caramels, gummies, etc.)
- Crunchy chips
- Whole nuts or seeds
- Hard fruits
- Hard or extremely crusty bread
Seek Guidance From Our Orthodontic Experts at Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces!
Take the first step to a confident, healthy smile by scheduling an appointment at Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces. With multiple dental offices throughout Austin, TX, and the surrounding communities, we can help guide you on your orthodontic adventure today.
