Braces Care Routine

Have you or your child just got braces recently? You will need this article to prepare for the milestone. They are on their way to getting gorgeous and healthier teeth. However, they should follow the guidelines in order to care for their teeth and braces. The first few days after your child gets braces the teeth are tender and soft.

This is very normal and it will go away soon. But if you have braces and do not take care of them, they can get cavities, stains or gum problems. Below is how you can take care of your braces;

Brush regularly

When it comes to brushing your braces, it’s a good idea to follow a plan. You should brush twice a day for two minutes. You should use a soft tooth brush and fluoride toothpaste. Start from the top and brush in gentle, circular motions and move across each tooth. Keep doing it a couple of times and repeat the top and bottom.

Floss & mouth wash

Since the tooth brush won’t be able to reach through all the cracks, you should floss at least once a day. Once you are done, remove any food that might be stuck in the teeth and rinse with mouthwash.

Water Pik

Water piks do not replace flossing but are the perfect way to have good oral hygiene. It can be a little hard to use at home but once you get used to it, you will definitely love it.

Check yourself in the mirror

You should check the mirror more often, look closely at any stubborn food particles left behind. Remember to also check for any wires that might be sticking out or out of place. If you notice anything wrong, you can contact the orthodontist for an examination.

Safe food to eat with braces

You will have to adjust on the food you are eating if you have braces.

• Soft bread
• Yogurt & milk
• Soft fruits
• Cooked vegetables
• Lean meat
• Tofu
• Peanut butter

Food to avoid

• Popcorn
• Hard or extremely crusty bread
• Hard candy
• Crunchy chips
• Hard fruits
• Whole nuts or seeds
• Meat from a bone

Mealtime Tips

Apart from paying attention to the food you eat, it’s also important to pay attention to how you’re eating it. It’s easier to eat small bites with a fork or spoon, rather than trying to bite straight into something. Yes, it sucks to eat pizza with a fork or cut an apple into slices before you eat it, but doing so reduces the risk of breaking your braces.

If your mouth is sore from a recent alteration, eat cold foods, such as frozen yogurt or cold water. The cold temperatures of these foods will help to ease the discomfort in your mouth.