When you have braces fitted, it’s important that you pay extra attention towards your teeth to ensure they’re protected from gum disease, staining, and decay. Taking precautionary measures can help to avoid damaging your braces. For instance, there are various activities that are best avoided such as eating sticky sweets or biting your lip. To help make sure your experience goes as smoothly as possible, here are 5 tips for adults who have braces.
Brush Regularly
Although it’s recommended to brush your teeth twice a day without braces, once you have them fitted, it’s advised to brush after every meal. This is because food particles can become easily trapped in your braces, meaning that the longer they’re trapped, the higher chance you have of developing a dental problem. It’s best to stick with a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene.
Floss Daily
Flossing at least once a day can make sure that you have gotten rid of any food particles that cannot be reached with your toothbrush. Make sure that you floss not only under the wires, but between your braces too. To help make things easier, you may want to consider using an orthodontic flosser or a floss threader. If you have gaps between your teeth, you may benefit from using an interdental stick that can slide in between your teeth.
Watch What You Eat
During treatment, it’s crucial that you pay close attention to your diet. Eating too many sugary snacks can increase the likelihood of plaque building up around the brackets, resulting in staining and cavities which could lead to gum disease. Sticky and chewy foods like corn on the cob and dried fruits are best avoided too, as they can be tricky to remove from your braces. It’s also best to steer clear of hard foods such as popcorn and nuts as they can break the wires of your braces.
Rinse and Check Your Teeth
After each time you brush and floss your teeth, it’s important that you rinse your mouth thoroughly with a mouth wash or water. Also, make sure that you examine your braces and teeth in the mirror so you can be sure you have reached every area in your mouth. The last thing you want is to miss an area as plaque can build up and cause problems.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
Throughout your course of treatment, you will need to see your orthodontist regularly for any adjustments to your braces. It’s normal to experience some level of discomfort and pain after you have had an adjustment, but if the pain does not quickly disappear, it’s important that you make another appointment with your orthodontist. If you are looking for an orthodontist in Canberra, check out Acacia Dental where you can book an appointment online.
Brushing after each meal, flossing daily, watching what you eat, and rinsing and checking your teeth are just a few tips that can help adults who have braces. It’s also important that you see your orthodontist regularly to ensure your treatment is going according to plan, as you may need to have your braces loosened or tightened.
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