Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums
The most challenging aspect of braces occurs during the initial seven days after installation. The foreign metallic components recently placed inside your mouth need time for your body to adapt while initial discomfort remains noticeable. After surviving your initial brace week, you will develop a stunning smile alignment.
This guide provides five essential strategies for first-week survival with braces to make you more comfortable.
You Should Brush Your Teeth along With Your Braces, Twice Each Day
Your dental care routine that supports teeth hygiene requires brushing twice daily because the habit supports both the teeth and the braces. Regular oral hygiene practice remains vital for people who need braces since it sustains their dental health throughout this period. The preventive measure prevents dental decay from happening. Keeping your braces fresh and bright in appearance will result from this practice.
A soft-bristled toothbrush becomes the best choice for people with braces to prevent damage to their orthodontic appliances. The correct brushing technique requires moving the brush in circular patterns. Some orthodontic toothbrushes serve as available purchasing options. Orthodontic toothbrushes perform better than regular toothbrushes when wearing braces. Orthodontic toothbrushes are easier to use than typical toothbrushes. The maintenance of braces is best achieved with electric toothbrushes, according to many people who wear this dental appliance.
Use an Orthodontic Flossing Tool
Proper flossing produces excellent results in clearing away food particles after eating. A brace requires flossing as a necessary dental care practice. Food stays between the metal wires on which the braces are built. A standard toothbrush does not provide a sufficient method to clean this food from the mouth.
People who wear braces must buy a water-powered flossing machine because it provides the best dental health protection during this period. Using a water-powered flossing machine with powerful water pressure provides an effective teeth-cleaning service for patients who wear braces.
Other available options exist for individuals unable to purchase this tool. The orthodontic flossing tool serves as another alternative for proper brush care. The orthodontic flossing tool exists exclusively for those who need dental care with braces. Visit your orthodontist to learn about acquiring this cleaning tool since maintaining braces’ cleanliness is important.
Avoid Chewy Foods
The process of wearing braces requires you to adopt specific dietary choices. Moving forward with your orthodontic treatment, you must say goodbye to certain favorite foods, although you will discover it makes a difference. Eating popcorn, caramels, and gummy bears should always be avoided since they can harm your braces. Any chewy foods represent a problem for people who have braces installed.
The consumption of braces-wearing patients with stiff foods leads to broken wires and loose brackets. The appliances tend to become loose, causing your treatment duration to increase. A loose wire system affects the overall effectiveness of your braces because they fail to function optimally. The public should avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods at all times. The consumption of ice and nuts, together with hard candy, should be avoided at all times.
Don’t Skip Orthodontic Appointments
Your orthodontist, who applies braces to your teeth, has unique knowledge about what needs adjustment, so they remain the best person to determine such matters. Your orthodontic treatment requires you to attend all your scheduled visits with your dentist.
Your teeth straightening duration will increase whenever you skip your scheduled appointments. The time you spend with braces becomes unnecessarily extended because you fail to attend your appointments. Your attendance at all scheduled appointments will help you reach your goal of achieving a beautiful straight smile speedily. Consult with your orthodontist before scheduling your appointment on a different date.
You Must Strictly Follow all Directions Provided by Your Orthodontist
You must take care of your braces effectively if you want a straight, beautiful smile. Share any unidentified changes with your orthodontist to speed up the braces adjustments.
Wearing braces requires you to follow every recommendation so the appliances can provide the best result for your smile. Adhering to dental hygiene practices, scheduling appointments with your orthodontist, and avoiding certain foods while flossing your teeth regularly will produce a perfect smile after you receive brace removal.
Final Thoughts
Consult your orthodontist for proper guidelines, and use research to learn how to care for your braces. If you need more tips for coping with braces and discomfort, contact Liberty Dental. Patients receive every orthodontic treatment available at our practice, including Invisalign and Lingual Braces options. Call our office right now to arrange an appointment.