We know you’re getting excited to see your new smile. When your smile is important to you, taking care of your braces properly is a priority. Here’s what you need to know to take the best care of your braces so you can look forward to the best results when you get your braces off.

Brushing with Braces

When you have braces, it’s extra important to brush your teeth after meals. Brushing your teeth regularly helps to ensure that food debris, bacteria, and plaque don’t build up and lead to cavities or discoloration of your teeth around your braces. Brushing with braces is a lot like brushing without braces. Just make sure to brush all of your teeth well with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, focusing extra attention on nooks and crannies where plaque can accumulate, such as around your braces brackets and along the gum line.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing is also extra important when you have braces. Flossing with braces can take a little more time than you may be used to because you’ll need to thread the floss under the wire between each tooth. But if you do it regularly you’ll soon get used to it. If you’re struggling to adjust, talk with your dentist or orthodontist about tips and tools, such as floss with a built in threader, floss picks, or a waterpik flosser, that might help make things a bit easier.

Eating with Braces

Taking care of your braces isn’t just about keeping them clean, it’s also important to be careful not to eat foods that can be harmful to your braces. In general, sticky, chewy, crunchy, or hard foods are not recommended while you have braces. These can include caramel, bagels, potato chips, nuts, or foods that you need to bite directly into such as a whole apple or corn on the cob.

Visiting the Dentist with Braces

Visiting the dentist while you have braces is important to taking care of your braces properly. During your visit, your dentist will have a chance to examine your teeth and gums and a dental hygienist can professionally clean your teeth to ensure that they are staying clean, healthy, and free of cavities throughout your orthodontic treatment. That way, when you get your braces off, you’ll have a strong, bright, and beautiful smile to show off.

Call our Queen Creek Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

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