Metal braces are more effective at treating bite problems than other options like Invisalign aligners or invisible braces. However, wearing metal braces requires special care to achieve the best outcome. Keep reading the article to find out about some tips that can help you care for your braces correctly.
1. Brush your teeth properly and gently
For those who have metal braces, brushing is different. It’s important to avoid breaking the metal wires or dislodging a bracket, while still thoroughly and effectively removing food particles and plaque. Consider choosing a toothbrush that has soft bristles that won’t harm braces. Use gentle pressure when brushing your teeth. Here are a few steps that can help you brush your teeth properly and protect your braces from harm:
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Rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles
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Angle the toothbrush along the gums
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Use the angled motion again while brushing away food from the top of your braces
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Angle the toothbrush against the bottom of the braces to brush upward
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Brush every tooth in your mouth on the front and back to eliminate bacteria
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Don’t forget to rinse your mouth with water throughout the day. This will help you remove additional food that accumulates on your teeth and braces while you are eating.
2. Choose the right foods
Your gums and teeth require lots of nutrients while you’re wearing your teeth braces. It’s especially important for growing children with braces. However, there are some foods and drinks you should avoid to protect your braces. Orthodontists typically recommend avoiding the following foods:
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Popcorn
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Nuts
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Fibrous vegetables
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Sticky candies
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Corn chips
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Whole raw fruit
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Bagels
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Tough meat
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Peanut butter
Choose soft foods that won’t irritate your gums and stick to your braces.
3. Choose the right toothpaste, mouthwash and floss carefully
Certain brands of toothpaste and mouthwash can contain harsh or abrasive ingredients that can harm your braces. When choosing floss, consider a type that will fit between your teeth and along the wires of the braces.
Using mouthwash is also a good idea, but you should choose a brand that has no bright green or red color since dyes can discolor your metal braces. You can consult your orthodontist who will help you select the right dental care products for you.
4. Consider using an oral irrigator
An oral irrigator is an excellent tool that will help you remove food particles and additional plaque from your teeth and braces. The irrigator is a dental care device that uses steam of high-pressure water that effectively removes plaque, bacteria, and food debris from teeth, braces, and gums. This item is an easy way to improve your dental hygiene.
5. Use floss daily
Once you have your braces installed, your orthodontist might recommend a specific type of floss which you need to use at least once a day. Flossing regularly can help you prevent dental issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. You can use this method to floss your teeth correctly:
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Use floss picks or floss thread
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Use a long section of flossing thread to reach the back teeth
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Stand in front of a mirror while flossing
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Use your fingers to slip the floss between teeth
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Don’t pull on the floss while it is underneath a wire
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Change to a new section of floss or a floss pick if it is covered with debris
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Don’t forget to clean out food particles from the gums to prevent gingivitis
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Rinse your mouth thoroughly after flossing
It’s also a good idea to carry floss with you during the day and floss after every meal. This can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong as well as prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health problems.
