At West Gate Dental, we offer a wide array of options for straightening your teeth. If you choose traditional, lingual, or ceramic braces, you will be one step closer to getting the beautiful smile you crave. However, braces often pose challenges when it comes to practicing oral hygiene. These tips can help with your dental hygiene routine while you undergo your treatment.
Brush Regularly
Wearing braces means that food particles will inevitably become stuck in the wires and brackets. Dr. Rebecca Sowers recommends brushing your teeth regularly as you would even without braces. However, you have to make even more effort to be thorough and brush after each meal and even after snacking. Although it’s fine to use a handheld toothbrush, you might find that an electric one is even better. It can get the job done better at eliminating food particles from your teeth and braces.
Floss Every Day
Flossing should continue to be a big part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, many people with braces, and even some without, skip this important task. Flossing helps to reduce plaque buildup under the gum line which can ultimately lead to the development of periodontal disease. When you come in for your appointment at West Gate Dental, we can recommend floss threaders, which you can find at your local drugstore. You can also use wax floss as it’s easier to use with braces.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Using mouthwash can help you keep bacteria buildup at bay and keep your breath smelling fresher. This is an essential step when you wear braces. Swish antiseptic mouthwash around your mouth for a moment to loosen any stubborn food particles after brushing and flossing.
Avoid Eating Certain Foods
Dr. Rebecca Sowers advises all patients with braces to be careful about what foods they eat during their treatment. Avoid anything hard and crunchy as it can damage your braces. You should also avoid sticky foods that could also lead to damage, especially to the brackets. It’s fine to drink cold beverages, but you should skip the ice until after you’ve completed your treatment and have gotten your braces removed.
Attend All Your Appointments
When you get your braces, Dr. Rebecca Sowers will want you to come in periodically for additional appointments. This is necessary to ensure that your teeth are in good condition and are shifting into the proper position throughout your treatment. If there are any issues, the dentist will address them during your appointments.
If you need braces and are in Nebraska, contact West Gate Dental at 401-475-8710 at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment. Our compassionate staff will help you every step of the way.