How to Care for Your Braces

Many kids growing up and even some adults wear braces to fix teeth that are crooked, too close or far apart, and under- or overbites.  Properly taking care of your braces will lead to more comfort and efficacy.  Not caring for your braces can cause not only damages to your braces, but also gum inflammation and cavities.  To keep your gums and teeth healthy while wearing braces, let’s discuss some ways to care for your braces!

Brushing and Flossing

Even if you don’t have braces, bushing and flossing is integral for a healthy mouth.  But having braces, it is even more important to brush and floss your teeth.  With braces, it is easier for pieces of food and plaque to get trapped between the braces and cause issues.  To brush your teeth with braces, use a soft head toothbrush to get to the hard to reach areas.  It is best to start by brushing at the gum line with your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gums.  Next, hold your toothbrush at an upward angle to clean the bottom of your braces. Include flossing daily in your oral hygiene when you have braces help to remove plaque build-up and any food particles that get stuck between your braces and teeth.  Using floss threaders or interdental brushes can make it easier to floss your teeth and braces than just flossing tape alone.   Using a mouthwash is also a great idea to rinse out your mouth and get rid of leftover bacteria on your mouth and tongue.  Having a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash handing in a small baggie can make it easier to keep your mouth clean!

Foods to Avoid

Excessive snacking should be avoided if you wear braces.  Foods that are hard, chewy, sticky, or crunchy should be avoided because they can ruin the braces.  Hard or crunchy foods such as pretzels or popcorn can break the wires on the braces.  Hard fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots and other healthy hard foods can be cut into smaller pieces before eating.  Chewy foods such as caramels or gummy candy can also get stuck in the wires and brackets making it harder to clean.  Sugary foods and drinks should also be avoided because they can cause teeth staining and decay around the brackets.  After every meal, brushing will prevent plaque and decay to keep your teeth, mouth, and braces clean.

Remember to talk to a dentist or orthodontist about your braces.  Contact us at California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us.