Did you just recently get orthodontic braces? If so, here are 3 tips that you may want to consider in order to help keep your orthodontics performing at their very best.
1. Choose Your Foods Wisely
There are certain foods that you should avoid eating while wearing braces. The reason for this is that these particular foods can cause damage to the delicate brackets and wires that make up your braces.
You should stay away from foods that are sticky or chewy such as gummy bears, licorice, chewing gum, or bagels. Also, foods that are really hard or crunchy such as carrots, nuts, ice chips, and hard candies should also be avoided. Popcorn and corn on the cob also have a tendency to get stuck in braces, so you will want to avoid these items whenever possible.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
While wearing braces, it's more important than ever to practice good oral hygiene. Plaque tends to form around the brackets on braces pretty easily which can lead to cavities. Therefore, you must be extra diligent about taking excellent care of your teeth.
You should make sure that you brush your teeth after every meal and once more before you go to sleep for the night. You should floss your teeth at least once per day. It's also a good idea to rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash once per day. This will help destroy any plaque or bacteria that might still be lingering on your teeth after brushing them.
3. Wear A Mouthguard During Sports
If you participate in sports while wearing braces, it's extremely important to make sure that you wear a mouthguard. In the event that you end up getting hit in the mouth while playing sports, your mouthguard will help protect your teeth and your braces from getting damaged.
If you do get hit in the mouth, you should make sure that you take a look a good look at your mouth in a mirror right away. If any teeth are knocked loose or if any of the brackets or wires on your braces are crooked, you will need to see your orthodontist immediately to get this taken care of.
There's no doubt that properly taking care of your braces isn't always easy and can sometimes be pretty time consuming. Luckily, trying even just one or two of these tips should help make things much easier for you.
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