Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Braces are a common orthodontic treatment that can straighten crooked teeth, correct misaligned bites, and improve overall dental health. However, having braces requires a certain level of responsibility to ensure that they work effectively and don’t cause damage to your teeth or braces. Here are some dos and don’ts of having braces:
Dos:
1. Practice good oral hygiene:
It’s important to brush and floss regularly while you have braces. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped in between the brackets and wires, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and braces after each meal.
2. Eat soft foods:
Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can damage your braces or cause them to come loose. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies. If you do eat something hard or crunchy, like raw carrots or popcorn, cut it into small pieces first.
3. Wear a mouthguard:
If you play sports or participate in any activity where your mouth may be hit, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from damage.
4. Attend all orthodontic appointments:
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are essential to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Your orthodontist may need to adjust your braces or wires to keep them working effectively.
5. Use orthodontic wax:
If your braces are causing discomfort or irritation, apply orthodontic wax to the brackets and wires. This can help reduce irritation and prevent sores from developing in your mouth.
Don’ts:
1. Chew on hard objects:
Chewing on pens, pencils, or other hard objects can cause damage to your braces or teeth. Avoid chewing on anything that isn’t food.
2. Eat sticky or sugary foods:
Sticky or sugary foods can get stuck in between your braces and teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Avoid foods like gum, caramel, and candy.
3. Smoke:
Smoking can stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It can also weaken your bones, including your jawbone, which can affect the effectiveness of your braces.
4. Skip orthodontic appointments:
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are crucial for ensuring that your braces are working as they should. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment and lead to complications.
5. Use your teeth as tools:
Using your teeth to open packages, tear off tags, or crack nuts can damage your braces or even break your teeth. Use scissors or other tools instead.
In conclusion, having braces requires a certain level of responsibility to ensure that they work effectively and don’t cause damage to your teeth or braces. Practicing good oral hygiene, eating soft foods, wearing a mouthguard, attending all orthodontic appointments, and using orthodontic wax are all essential dos of having braces. On the other hand, chewing on hard objects, eating sticky or sugary foods, smoking, skipping orthodontic appointments, and using your teeth as tools are all don’ts of having braces. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your orthodontic treatment is successful and that you achieve the straight, healthy smile you desire. Contact with an expert to know more!
FAQs
Q: What are the dos and don’ts of having braces?
A: Some dos of having braces include brushing and flossing regularly, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and following the orthodontist’s instructions for proper care. Some don’ts include avoiding sticky and hard foods, chewing gum, and using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
Q: Can I eat any foods with braces?
A: It is best to avoid sticky and hard foods that can damage your braces, such as caramel, popcorn, and hard candy. You should also cut up crunchy foods like apples and carrots into small pieces to avoid damaging the braces. Soft foods like mashed potatoes and yogurt are easier to eat with braces.
Q: How often should I brush and floss my teeth with braces?
A: It is important to brush and floss after every meal and snack to prevent food from getting trapped in the braces and causing decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss using a floss threader to get between the wires and brackets. You may also want to use an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.