For most kids, braces are something to live with while growing up to maintain proper teeth symmetry. Additionally, there are adults who at some point in time require braces. It is important to learn how to take care of your oral health when you have braces. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) stipulates that braces help fix teeth that appear crooked, too far apart, or too close together. In addition, they assist in resolving overbites or underbites. Naturally, braces require constant care to avoid problems, be comfortable, and have them removed faster. This article will look into the tips needed to make sure that you care for your braces and ensure that they help fix your problem faster.
Flossing and Brushing with braces
In case you did not have excellent oral hygiene before having your braces put on, it is imperative that you improve on this. Your gums need extra care when you are using braces. This means you need to brush and floss your teeth regularly. However, you need to ensure that you do these dental hygiene routines gently to avoid damage to the brackets and wires.
Ensure you use a toothbrush that has a soft head and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should brush after every meal since food is likely to be stuck in your braces, and this may lead to plaque build up. You should also floss to take out food stuck between your teeth or in the braces. Do this gently by slowly working the floss back and forth, as too much force may cause damage to your braces.
Skip some foods
The dentist who installs the braces should advise you on the list of foods you should avoid. It is important to skip foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy. Furthermore, you should avoid crunchy foods such as hard pretzels or popcorn, as they may be lodged in between the braces and the braces and snap as you chew.
Habits such as chewing on pens or nail-biting should be avoided at all costs. Ensure that you also avoid crunching down on ice, as this will inevitably damage the braces.
Protection of Braces during vigorous activities
There are those activities that require rigorous movement such as jogging, swimming, going to the gym or playing tennis. Use a mouth guard as this will avoid any damage that may be caused to your braces by the vigorous activity. A mouth guard is also handy when doing daily chores as you may accidentally damage the braces if you are doing some difficult job outdoors or indoor. Use a mouth guard that is custom made by your dentist as it will fit well and protect your braces better.
Troubleshooting your braces
There is a likelihood that your braces will incur some damage no matter how well you care for them. If this happens, rush to your dentist to have them fixed immediately. Always be sure to check them in the morning when you wake up and right before you sleep for any changes that may have occurred during the day or as you sleep.
When you care for your braces well, you are rectifying the problem that forced you to have them faster. As such, follow the above tips and be sure to ask us for any other tips that may help you take care of them and live more comfortably with braces.