Brushing and Flossing
Maintaining regular brushing and flossing routines is crucial when you have braces, so your teeth and gums stay healthy during orthodontic treatment. Braces can complicate oral hygiene, necessitating adjustments in your habits to maintain a healthy smile.
Patients who do not maintain proper oral hygiene may require more frequent visits to the dentist for professional cleaning. Adults with a history of gum disease should also consult a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
To learn more about caring for braces, watch the two instructional videos below.
Tips for Effective Oral Hygiene with Braces:
Brush after every meal or snack to prevent food particles from getting trapped.
Use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Eating with Braces
Eating with braces requires some adjustments to avoid damaging them or causing discomfort. Refer to the video below for helpful tips on what foods to eat and avoid.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods: Bagels, hard rolls, licorice, taffy
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn, ice, pretzels, chips
- Sticky foods: Caramels, gum, toffee, fruit snacks
- Hard foods: Nuts, candy, hard pretzels, ice cubes
- Foods you have to bite into: Corn on the cob, apples, carrots, pears
Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils, or fingernails) can also damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer and may result in additional appointment time.
Loosening of Teeth
It’s not uncommon to experience a sensation of looseness in your teeth after getting braces or during the course of orthodontic treatment. This feeling is generally normal and is a result of the pressure applied to your teeth as they are being moved into their new positions.
Loose Wire
If a wire comes loose, don’t be alarmed; this can occasionally happen. Here are some steps to manage it:
- Orthodontic Wax: Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end if it irritates.
- Blunt Instrument: If the wax doesn’t help, use a blunt instrument, like the eraser end of a pencil, to gently push the wire back under the archwire.
- Nail Clippers: If irritation continues, use clean nail clippers to cut the wire and apply more wax.
General Soreness
It’s quite common to experience some general soreness or discomfort after getting braces or after adjustments to your braces. This soreness is usually temporary, can last a few days, and can be managed with some simple strategies. Generally speaking, you can take Tylenol or Advil to alleviate soreness and discomfort.
Athletics
If you participate in sports, it’s advisable to wear a mouth guard to shield your mouth and teeth from potential injuries. This precautionary measure not only protects against impacts but also ensures your oral health remains intact, allowing you to enjoy sports confidently and safely.
