Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces: Tips and Best Practices

Braces are an effective tool for orthodontic treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene when wearing them can be a challenge, especially for kids. According to orthodontic experts, 75% of the 4 million people in the US wearing braces aren’t older than 18. Here are a few tips to help you and your family keep up with their oral health while wearing braces.

Brush After Every Meal

It might sound like common sense, but many folks wearing braces neglect to take this important action. During your orthodontic treatment, it’s easier for food to become lodged by the hardware and cause a build-up of bacteria that can lead to plaque and cavities. In order to avoid this happening, be sure to brush or at least vigorously rinse and gargle after every meal. It’s worth the extra time to follow this best process during your entire orthodontic treatment period.

Avoid Crunchy and Chewy Foods

The less disrupted your treatment is, the shorter it will be. If you’re eating chewy and crunchy foods and dislodge a wire or bracket, it could very easily prolong your treatment. Avoid chewy candies like taffy and licorice and foods such as popcorn and bagels, the less likely that your treatment will be interrupted and prolonged. After your initial appointment, the orthodontic team will review all of the foods and snacks to avoid. Be sure to pay attention to this information and follow it closely. Avoiding these foods and snacks will keep your treatment on track.

Keep All Scheduled Appointments

Your orthodontic plan of treatment is based on a schedule of improvement. As your teeth begin to move and become properly aligned, your wires and brackets need to be adjusted. Missing or delaying scheduled appointments will prolong your treatment and can even minimize its effectiveness. If you’re unable to keep an appointment, be sure to reschedule it as soon as possible. The closer you adhere to your orthodontist’s treatment plan, the better chance you have of enjoying smooth and efficient treatment. Your regular appointments are a key part of your treatment and need to be a priority in your life.

If it’s time for a member of your family to begin orthodontic treatment, Best Smiles Orthodontics is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule an introductory appointment with Best Smiles. We look forward to seeing you soon!