Braces have become much more common as new technologies and techniques have allowed for the cost to plummet it. In addition there are many new styles of braces that are less unsightly and even practically invisible to the eye. As a result the amount of people purchasing braces continues to increase.
These devices will realign the teeth so that they are straighter and more even and take a considerable amount of time to do their job. A person with braces can expect them to be in their mouth for more than a year and involve many visits to the orthodontist who is the dentist that installs and cares for the braces.
Top dentists like Dr. Kami Hoss recommend that you modify some of your normal eating habits and be aware of certain habits that you must adopt and keep throughout the time that the braces are in your mouth. This will ensure that the braces do their job and your teeth and gums are healthy in the meantime.
Brushing Your Teeth With Braces
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the amount recommended by dentist and this is certainly the case for those with braces. You also need to make sure that you brush again after any meals that include sticky or sugary foods, and any food that will leave lots of particles that make it stuck in your teeth or your braces.
If you do not remove these food particles rather quickly they can stay trapped in your mouth or braces and cause serious dental problems. To brush your teeth, you should use a toothbrush with soft round bristles and use the light Strokes around your teeth and the braces. You should rinse your mouth several times and make sure that you brush all areas of your mouth and around the braces well. You should also consider purchasing an electric toothbrush which will give a much more even brushing throughout your mouth.
Flossing
Flossing is an important part of taking care of your braces. There is a specific method of flossing that is required to make sure that you get between and around the braces but do not cause any damage to them. You should floss between the braces and also under the wires. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser and consider using wax floss which will snag less on your braces.
Rinse Your Mouth Several Times each Day
You should develop the habit of rinsing your mouth out with clear water or even mouthwash several times a day. The mouth develops large amounts of bacteria that can linger long after a meal or drink is finished. This will develop bacteria in your mouth that can harm your teeth and gums or even cause staining. In order to move the bacteria out of your mouth you should rinse it regularly.
Modify Your Diet
When you have braces, you will have to be much more aware of the things that you put in your mouth. You must limit starchy foods and those that contain high amounts of sugar because they will cause plaque to build up around your braces and on your teeth. You should also stay away from any chewy foods like gum, and soft candies because these can get stuck in your braces and cause you a trip to the orthodontist. Most people don’t realize that hard foods are also not a good choice for braces these include popcorn, nuts, and even seeds.
These foods can break or damage your braces or their wires and should be avoided. Marginally hard foods like Apples and beef jerky should be eaten sparingly. Keep in mind that if you damage your braces they will have to be repaired which can be costly and time-consuming. So be smart about what you were chewing and if you have any doubts, do not eat it.
People purchase braces because they want to look their best and they want to avoid spaces in their teeth making it more difficult for them to chew their food. They will be with you a long time once you purchase them, so take care to treat them well and you will be happy with the results.