4 Things You Can Do To Take Care of Your Braces

Taking care of your braces is important for the health of your teeth and gums. However, it can be challenging because braces can’t be removed from your teeth for cleaning or eating. When you get braces, your orthodontist in Solon, OH, will advise you on maintenance. Below are four things you can do.

1. Avoid Hard, Crunchy or Sticky Foods

Hard, crunchy, sticky foods easily damage braces. In addition, sticky foods can stick to your braces, making cleaning them much more difficult later. Some things you should avoid eating while you have braces include:

• Rolls and bread with a hard crust
• Nuts
• Ice
• Raw, crunchy vegetables
• Popcorn
• Chewing gum
• Bagels
• Pizza crust
• Hard or sticky candy
• Hard crackers and chips

If possible, eat softer foods while you have braces. Cooked vegetables, yogurt, fruits, soups, soft cheese, casseroles, and sandwiches without the hard crust are all safe foods to eat while you have braces.

2. Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Use a non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste while you’re wearing braces. If you’re unsure which toothpastes are safe, talk to your dentist.

3. Use a Floss Threader to Floss

Flossing can be tough while you’re wearing braces. Fortunately, floss threaders can help with this. Purchase a floss threader to make flossing easier while you have braces, and floss daily.

4. Alert Your Orthodontist to Damage

If your braces become damaged while you’re wearing them, tell your orthodontist as soon as possible. If a wire is protruding and making you uncomfortable, you can use dental wax to cover the wire while you’re waiting to see the dentist.

Do you have more questions about maintaining braces in Solon, OH? Call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today.Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw can cause various problems throughout a person’s life. They can make someone self-conscious about how they look, make chewing more difficult or painful, and even lead to speech impediments.