When you are an adult, you want your smile to look good and to make you feel good.
However, there are some instances when, for one reason or another, you may have missed getting braces as a child or teenager, prompting you to need them as an adult.
Wearing braces is a big commitment, as they require proper care and maintenance to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the treatment.
Braces can easily trap food particles and thus can make it difficult to clean your teeth, which can lead to plaque building up, cavities, and even gum disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to take care of your braces to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and straight.
Luckily, when you come to Align and Smile, our dentist in Canary Wharf can not only help to discern the best braces for you, but can also ensure that your teeth and gums are kept healthy throughout the course of treatment.
So, here are 5 tips from our dentist in Canary Wharf on how to keep your braces clean.
Brushing and flossing
One of the most important tips for maintaining your braces is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. When wearing braces, aim to brush after each meal and floss regularly. When you brush, our dentist in Canary Wharf advises that you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and high-fluoride toothpaste to remove impacted food particles and plaque from your teeth and braces. Also, aim to brush with the bristles pointing upwards at a 45-degree angle to remove the most plaque. Aim to use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean in between the wires and brackets. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria.
It can also be worth investing in an ultrasonic cleaner too!
Use a water flosser
A water flosser is an excellent tool for cleaning your teeth and braces. It uses a stream of water that you can use instead of flossing or as a complement to your flossing routine. A water flosser is particularly useful for people who wear braces, as it can reach areas that are difficult to clean with regular floss.
Avoid certain food
Certain food can get stuck in your braces and cause damage, which can lead to costly repairs. Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky food like popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and chewing gum, as they can damage your braces or get stuck in between the brackets and wires. Instead, opt for soft, healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Rinse with mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash can help remove bacteria and keep your mouth fresh and clean. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. A mouthwash can also help to prevent gum disease and cavities, which can be a problem when wearing braces.
Schedule regular check-ups
It’s essential to visit our orthodontist regularly to check the progress of your treatment and to make sure your braces are in good condition. During your appointments, we will examine your braces, check for any problems, and make adjustments as needed. Regular check-ups can help to prevent serious problems from developing and ensure that your teeth are healthy and straight.