Dental Care Tips For People With Braces and Retainers
Braces, wires, springs, and rubber bands all attract food and plaque to the mouth. This is why it is extremely important to take extra time cleaning your teeth when you have braces. If food and plaque is not removed and cleaned, chances of getting cavities, gingivitis, and other oral problems are greater.
Brushing
Start by removing all elastics or removable appliances from your mouth. Next, brush your teeth by holding your brush at a 45-degree angle and using the edge of the brush to get in your gums and top and bottom part of the braces brackets. Take your time doing this so that all food and plaque is cleaned out.
Flossing
Flossing with braces or retainer wires can be difficult. Some dentists or hygienists will suggest using a waterpik or an airflosser to floss your teeth. Using tools like this makes removing food and plaque from between teeth and oral appliances. You can also floss your teeth using regular floss by feeding it through the spaces in your braces. Continue as though you are flossing teeth without braces by using gentle sawing and “c” shaped motions to remove. To really guarantee food and plaque removal, use a proxabrush/ “Christmas tree” brush in between two braces to flush out anything that remains.
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods have the tendency to get caught in braces and potentially even break or loosen them. Avoid foods such as:
- Hard or tough to bite foods like apples and carrots
- Chewy foods such as taffy or caramels
- Corn on the cob
- Popcorn and nuts
Taking the extra time to care for your teeth when you have braces is extremely important. To get expert guidance from a dental hygienist in Vaughan, call us today at 410.835.5002 or visit the Maple dental Hygiene Care website to book an appointment.