Having braces is one of the most effective methods for treating misaligned teeth. They can fix plenty of orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, over/under-bites, and problems with the position of the jaw.
Having braces is one of the most effective methods for treating misaligned teeth. They can fix plenty of orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, over/under-bites, and problems with the position of the jaw. While being practical and useful, braces can also make regular oral care difficult. If you are wearing braces in Calgary, it is required that you make the extra effort and pay attention to your oral hygiene since you do not want your newly well-aligned teeth to have cavities and damage once you take your braces off.
You will be given a thorough set of guidelines regarding the proper maintenance of braces by your orthodontist in NE Calgary both before and after you get your braces. In this guide, we would like to give you a quick refresher on the necessary habits and practices you have to adopt into your daily routine to get the best out of your braces and maintain proper oral hygiene in the process.
Regular Cleaning
When it comes to good oral health habits, “brush twice a day” is one of the most common practices considered key universally. However, wearing braces comes with the need to clean more often, since the metal wires in braces tend to retain more food particles that create an environment where bacteria can grow quickly.
If you do not make the extra effort to keep your braces and the oral cavity adequately cleaned at all times, by the end of your treatment, you will likely have straightened, yet damaged and decayed teeth! Your orthodontist in NE Calgary recommends that you clean your mouth every time after you consume food or a sugary drink. It is better if you can quickly brush your mouth after your meals. If that is not practical, keep a mouthwash with you at all times to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Using the Right Tools
Wearing braces is a long-term treatment that can last from 18 months to several years, contingent on the severity of the issue being fixed. Therefore, investing in the right kind of tools and brushes to properly care for your braces helps you get the best out of them for as long as you wear them. Since braces have metal components, most people think that they need a brush with hard bristles to clean them properly. This is not true. Long term rough use of a hard bristled brush on your braces can not only reduce its longevity, but it can also change its shape and negatively interfere with the treatment process as well. The brush that you use to clean your braces should be able to move between the metal wires and get into the nooks and crevices to properly clean an entire set of braces.
Flossing and Mouthwash
When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing and flossing go hand in hand. However, too many people overlook flossing, thinking that it is an inconvenience, which can be quite damaging in the long run. It is particularly important when you are wearing braces since the wires of the braces trap the food particles in their crevices. Therefore, flossing is an essential part when it comes to maintaining your braces properly. You might need some practice before you get used to flossing with metal wires attached to your teeth, but it is vital that you practice and persevere. If you need any extra help or guidance, your orthodontist in Calgary will happily help you and also provide you with special accessories that can make your flossing process quite easier.
Eating Right
Last but not least, your diet and eating habits largely contribute to the effectiveness and longevity of your braces. There are certain food items such as sticky and sugary candy that are quite difficult to clean even without braces. For you to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces, try to avoid excessive consumption of such food. If you do happen to eat them, rinse your mouth and brush as soon as possible. There is also particular food that can directly damage the wires and brackets of your braces as well, such as food that is hard to chew and has a high acidic content. Sticking to low acidity food like vegetables, fruits, and dairy will not only increase the durability of your braces but will increase your overall good health as well.
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