The A, B, C and D's of Caring For Your Dental Braces
Orthodontic braces are a sound investment – financially, emotionally, and physically. They're an investment in looking good, of course, but also in living well. So, you'll want to do everything in your power now to protect your investment so that it pays dividends for years to come.
Failing to care for your braces can cost you both time and money and, literally, prove to be a real headache. That's because dental braces create tiny niches that serve as perfect hiding spots for small pieces of food and bacteria (plaque), which when trapped for any real length of time, can result in everything from tooth decay, cavities, decalcification (staining) and gingivitis (inflamed gums). These conditions not only require additional visits to the dentist and orthodontist, but can delay the removal of your braces, because when the gums are swollen/inflamed, it's not as easy to align your teeth. Besides, rotting food, plaque, and staining can cause your breath to become unbearable to even loved ones.
Don't worry; it's not difficult to take care of braces. In fact, it's as easy as A, B, C and D:
- Avoid foods that might bend, break or loosen braces. These include sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy foods, such as ice, caramel, taffy, nuts, peanut brittle, potato chips, bubble gum and popcorn. Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pears, celery and apples should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces and corn should be sliced from the cob. Finally, hard breads including bagels, pizza crusts and pretzels should be broken up into manageable pieces.
- Brush before going to bed and after every meal, including snacks. Use fluoride toothpaste, a soft toothbrush and be sure to brush gently. Also, continue to floss, using either a floss-threader for maneuvering under the wires or an interdental brush – also known as a proxabrush – to clean around the brackets and between the teeth. Finally, rinse with fluoride mouthwash. After brushing, flossing and rinsing, be sure to thoroughly inspect your teeth and braces for any remnants of food, as well as any damage to wires, rubber bands or brackets.
- Continue normal dental check-ups. Maintain a regular schedule of cleanings at least every 6 months, and be sure to attend all appointments with your orthodontist - typically scheduled at 6-8 week intervals.
- Don't smoke. Smoking stains teeth, which can result in unsightly white spots once dental braces are removed, often requiring bleaching. Besides, it's bad for your overall health. Smoking has been linked to periodontal problems, bone loss, and gum inflammation, which can lead to slower tooth movement.
Finally, if you participate in contact sports, be sure to wear an approved mouth guard by your orthodontist, so as to prevent damage to the teeth and the braces, as well as lacerations of the mouth. If needed Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr provides mouth guards for her patients at no additional cost to them.
Should you experience any trouble, whether it is with the wires, bands or brackets, please see your orthodontist.
Braces aren't the end of the world; they're the beginning of a whole new smile. You don't have to be anxious about discomfort, self-conscious about huge metal bands in your mouth, or fearful about getting cavities when you seek the orthodontic expertise of Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr serving Granada Hills, Reseda, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Northridge, Mission Hills, Woodland Hills, and Santa Clarita. Call for an appointment at (818) 886-6666 or contact us online today.