Dental care is essential whilst wearing braces is well worth the effort once the braces come off. This should include:

RINSING THE MOUTH

Braces can cause food particles to get stuck in your teeth, wires and brackets. Rinsing after each meal will loosen food particles that might get stuck in the teeth and braces. A fluoride rinse before bed would be best after brushing.

BRUSHING REGULARLY

Ensure you use a soft bristled brush or power tooth brush for 2 minutes, the same as normal brushing. You can also use a special orthodontic brush which is smaller.

INTERDENTAL BRUSHING

This is a small brush that is helpful in cleaning between the teeth and can also be used to clean underneath and around the wire and braces.

FLOSSING

Regular flossing is important to maintain dental health in general. Floss threaders can help you get under the brace and remove plaque that is difficult to reach.

REGULAR CHECK-UP AND HYGIENE APPOINTMENTS

Make sure you see your regular dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and thorough clean. This will keep an eye on any areas that need extra attention.

WEAR A MOUTHGUARD IF YOU PLAY SPORTS.

They can protect your cheeks and lips from serious cuts and prevent damage to your braces if you fall over or get hit in the face.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Eating sugary and starchy foods can cause plaque build-up around the brackets, which can cause staining, cavities or gum disease. Avoid sticky, chewy foods which can be hard to remove from the braces. Hard foods such as nuts and crusty bread are to be avoided as they can break or loosen the brackets.

If you wish to avoid the above issues removable Aligners such as Invisalign are becoming very popular and worth considering. If you would like further advice, please feel free to contact our friendly specialist Orthodontist who does children and adult orthodontics including Invisalign here at SummerTown Dental on 01865 558822 or email [email protected].