When you have braces, you have to take good care of them to get the straight, bright smile you want. If you break your braces, you could damage your teeth or make your orthodontic treatment take even longer. And if you don’t clean your teeth properly, you might end up with cavities or stains when your braces come off.
Deciding to get braces is a long-term commitment. You have to be willing to spend some extra time cleaning your teeth every day. You might even have to stop eating some of your favorite foods for a while. But it will all be worth it in the end! Here’s our best practice guide on how to take care of your teeth when you have braces.
How to Take Care of Your Braces
- Carefully follow all of the instructions that your orthodontist gave you.
- Never miss a checkup! Going to all your scheduled appointments is essential for making sure that your braces fit well and are working correctly.
- Schedule an extra cleaning with an oral hygienist.
If you ever break your braces, or experience severe tooth pain, call your orthodontist’s office right away.
How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
- With a soft-bristled toothbrush, carefully brush your teeth, gums, and braces. Angle the brush and use a mirror to make sure you reach all the surfaces in your mouth.
- Floss at least once a day, between your teeth and underneath the wires of your braces. Never pull up on the floss while it’s under your braces.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating, to keep food from settling on your braces.
- Carry floss with you when you’re away from home, just in case anything gets stuck in your braces while you’re eating.
- Use a mouth rinse after flossing to remove debris and keep your mouth clean. An electric toothbrush and water flosser can make cleaning your teeth with braces much easier!
What You Can’t Eat with Braces
Avoid any foods that might get caught in your braces, like:
- Celery
- Spinach
- Seeds
- Popcorn
Stay away from sticky and starchy foods that could get stuck on your braces, such as:
- Toffee and caramel
- White bread
- Potato chips
- Peanut butter
- Chewing gum
Don’t eat hard foods that could break your braces if you bite them, like:
- Nuts
- Jerky
- Raw vegetables
- Ice cubes
Avoid foods and beverages that could stain your teeth, including:
- Coffee and black tea
- Red wine (if you’re over 21)
- Dark berries
- Cola flavored sodas
- Sports drinks with food dye
Take Good Care of Your Braces with a Professional Cleaning
To ensure that your teeth stay bright and cavity-free during your orthodontic treatment, schedule an extra cleaning at Aurora City Dental. Professional dental cleanings are the best way to prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth healthy while you have braces. If you’d like to schedule a cleaning and get some more tips about how to clean your teeth with braces, request an appointment online today.