Living with braces can be scary because it is different and new. But with some simple tips to take care of your dental health, the transition can be much easier. Braces are used to straighten crooked teeth, or correct other denture problems, such as an abnormal bite.
Braces are important from an aesthetic perspective, but also for health reasons. An abnormal bite can cause dental problems, such as gingivitis, cavities, tooth loss, problems with the jaw, tooth enamel wear, and even affect how you chew and speak. So, it is important to take care of your teeth when you have braces to maximize your dental health.
First things first… you have to take care of the things you eat. Aside from good general dental health, brushing several times a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, there are certain foods you should avoid to ensure the best result with braces.
Some Meals You Should Avoid
- Popcorn, hard corn, or corn that is not shelled
- Food with a lot of sugar; if you eat sugar, brush your teeth immediately
- Sticky food, such as caramel or cajeta
- Hard, crispy food, such as nuts, fried foods, dried meat, and (hard) candy
- Chewing gum
- Food that requires a lot of chewing, such as apples, carrots and celery (you have to cut them into slices)
- You should not eat meat or chicken directly from the bone, you must cut it before consuming
- You should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as pens or pencils, nails, and ice.
Ask your dentist or orthodontist for a complete list of foods to avoid if you have dental braces.
Since you have braces, you must change your dental hygiene routine a bit. It can be more difficult to clean your teeth with braces since you should brush them after each meal and also keep flossing. But if you do not take the time to adjust your dental health routine, you can suffer the consequences of white spots (decalcification), gingivitis on the gums, among other problems.
Tips for Caring for Teeth with Braces
- Teeth should be brushed after each meal, particularly around appliances.
- Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day
- Brush multiple teeth at the same time
- Use a soft brush, which you should replace every 3 months, or when the hairs fray
- Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle
- Visit the dentist every 4 to 6 months
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for at least two minutes, after each meal. An electric toothbrush is ideal for cleaning all tooth and brake crevices. When brushing your teeth, clean the base of the teeth near the gums, also behind the teeth and molars. You should pay more attention to brushing the appliances, especially under the wires. And, as always, you should replace your toothbrushes every three months, particularly since braces tend to wear down the brushes.
Also, if you are a sports lover, it is important to protect your teeth by using a mouth guard that covers the brakes. Finally, it is important to keep regular appointments with your dentist to maintain dental health and brake effectiveness.
