Because braces are not naturally part of your mouth, you have to be extra mindful of hygiene habits to ensure optimal oral health. In addition, braces are a major investment both financially and physically. You will need to follow your orthodontist’s care plan to ensure you don’t have problems with your teeth and gums in the long run.
Here are three non-negotiable hygiene tips for wearing braces.
1 – Brush and floss daily.
Because you have an appliance in your mouth, you should be meticulous about flossing and brushing. Food will, no doubt, get stuck in the wires and will not be removed by regular brushing alone. It is recommended that you follow up with floss at least once daily and use an inter-dental brush to clean.
2 – Avoid high-acid foods.
Acidic food and drinks such as soda, tomatoes, and pineapple can erode your teeth’s enamel. In addition, avoid really crunchy and hard food because they can damage your braces. Preferred foods for braces include low-acid types such as cucumbers, bananas, and yogurt.
3 – Follow your orthodontist’s cleaning plan.
Show up for all your orthodontic appointments and cleaning sessions, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for self-care in between appointments.
Thank you for explaining that you should avoid acidic foods if you have braces. I’ve been wondering what I should know to take care of my teeth while I’m wearing braces. I’ll be sure to remember this and see if I can cater my diet to exclude these things. http://jpoulsenortho.com/
You made an interesting point when you explained that people with braces need to be meticulous with their flossing. Would it be a good idea for someone with braces to use a flossing device that is powered by water? I would think that a water-powered flossing device would allow people with braces to remove food that is difficult to remove. https://whittleseydental.com/braces.php