10 Tips for Caring for your Braces

Wearing braces can be a nervous experience for many. However, more people are using Orthodontic treatment to correct their teeth than you may realise, so you can be sure that people will notice your smile, and not your braces. Caring for your braces doesn’t have to be hard, just by following these 10 tips you can ensure that you keep your mouth healthy and free of any problems.

1. Make sure you brush your teeth and braces after you eat

Regular brushing is the best method for a healthy mouth. Remember to remove all removable parts of the braces beforehand, including elastics, however don’t mess with the wires. Ensure you brush for at least two minutes, and that you brush from top to bottom and along the wires. One of the best practices is to clean your teeth half an hour after each meal.

2. Floss before you brush

Flossing can remove any errant bits of food from between your teeth, and clean between both your teeth and braces. Make sure you get between the wires and brackets of your braces, and that you floss every tooth – top to bottom, front to back!

3. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash can clean your mouth, making it both cleaner and more fresh. For best results, make sure you get a mouthwash that removes plaque.

4. Haven’t got a toothbrush?

If you find yourself without a toothbrush, thoroughly wash your mouth with water and brush your teeth as soon as you are able.

5. Limit yourself to foods that require little chewing

When you first get braces, your mouth can be sensitive. For the first couple of days, you should try and stick to softer foods so you don’t cause any damage. Foods such as soup or mashed potatoes are ideal.

6. Be careful when eating hard foods

Take extra care eating harder foods, as they can cause damage to your braces. Foods such as apples, candies and nuts should be consumed with care. You should also take care that you don’t chew on hard items such as pens and pencils.

7. Take care with sticky foods

Foods such as caramel, peanut butter and various sweets could cause damage to your braces. They can do this by pulling the wires off when you’re eating.

8. Avoid food and drink that could cause discolouration

Any food or drink that could stain your teeth can also stain your braces. Try and avoid things like tea and coffee.

9. Minimise your sugar intake

Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can do wonders for the health of your mouth, especially when you have braces which sugary foods and drinks can get caught in, and allow the sugar to start damaging your teeth. Things like sweets, cola and even drinks like squash contains sugars, and by minimising your intake of these items your mouth becomes much healthier.

10. Raise any problems with your dentist

Your dentist will be able to help you with any problems you may encounter, so make sure you visit them regularly and bring up any problems. If you experience any pains after the first couple of days or you lose or break your braces, make sure you contact your dentist / orthodontist as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading through our guide to caring for your braces. If you’re interested in having Orthodontic treatment, you should talk to your local Midlands Smile Centres dentist about whether it’s right for you. Please find some FAQs below.

FAQs

Q:

Since having my braces, I’ve had a very dry mouth, how can I stop this?

A:

Make sure you drink plenty of water. Saliva is very important for your mouth, as it protects against germs and can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Q:

Am I able to chew gum when I’m wearing my braces?

A:

It’s best to avoid chewing gum when you have braces. Chewing gum can stick to your braces, and cause damage with the chewing motion.

Q: 

I’m nervous about having Orthodontic treatment, is there any help I can get?

A: 

Your dentist can talk you through the procedure and the steps involved in giving you a straight smile, and help you through any problems you may have with braces.

Q:

I’m experiencing swelling around my mouth after having my braces, is this normal?

A:

Swelling of the cheeks and lips is perfectly normal, and should disappear after a couple of days. If you experience these for longer, or if you have any other problems you should talk to your dentist.

Q:

I want to have invisible braces, but I was wondering whether they're easier to clean?

A:

Invisalign clear aligners are very easy to clean, as they are removable. This means you can remove them before you eat so you don’t have to clean them after every meal. Just make sure you give your teeth a thorough clean before you put your braces back on.