Caring For Your Teeth While Wearing Braces

Orthodontic, or tooth-straightening treatment, is becoming increasingly popular with adults as well as children these days, but to ensure that the procedure is successful, with the best possible results, it is vital to care for your teeth and brace properly.

While wearing braces, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease is much higher, simply because food particles and bacteria can become lodged in and around the wires. So you need to follow a thorough daily oral health care routine.

Usually you will be shown exactly what to do, but as a general guide you must clean your teeth carefully twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste to clean around the brace thoroughly. You should also clean between your teeth and around the gumline if you can. Your braces need cleaning with water and a toothbrush after every meal or snack, so you will need to carry a toothbrush around with you, and you should avoid sugary or acidic food and drinks whenever possible. Limiting them to mealtimes only is best.

Braces are quite delicate, and you need to make sure you do not damage them. The wires in particular are susceptible to being bent - this can cause problems which can spoil or delay your treatment. The best way of avoiding damage is to be careful what you eat. Avoid hard and chewy foods - toffee and chewing gum should be completely off limits. Hard foods like apples or crusty bread can be eaten if you cut them up into small pieces first - do not bite into them. If you take part in contact sports such as rugby, hockey or martial arts, you should protect your teeth and brace with a special orthodontic mouthguard.

For more information about caring for your teeth and braces, or about how your teeth could be straightened, please ask - we'll be happy to help.