How to Take Care of Your Oral Health While Wearing Braces

When choosing braces, you may wonder how caring for your teeth will be different than before. Your braces are sure to give you straighter teeth, a more attractive smile, and an improved bite. But it's important to tend to your oral health to keep your teeth healthy and white throughout the process.

To avoid having food stuck in your braces, try brushing after each and every meal. It's also important to floss as your braces can collect food particles in the small crevices which can cause staining and tooth decay. You may want to consider a tooth brush and floss specifically designed to maneuver around brackets and wires.



After you brush and floss, take a look in the mirror and make sure your braces are clear of any food. Not only could it cause an unhealthy smile and bad breath, it could be quite embarrassing too!

Certain foods and beverages should be avoided all together. Excessive sweets, soda, and starchy foods can promote gum disease and tooth decay. You should also steer clear of sticky foods that may get stuck in your brackets and wires, such as caramel, candy, and dried fruits. Munching on nuts or hard candies may damage your wires or cause the brackets to loosen. For crunchy fruits and vegetables, try cutting them up into smaller pieces first.

You may find it easier and more comfortable to chew soft foods, particularly after each office visit when your braces are tightened. If you experience pain or discomfort, you can take acetaminophen such as Tylenol®. You can also find orthodontic wax in drug stores which is an inexpensive special wax that you can apply over your braces to ease rubbing and irritation.



With proper oral health care and maintenance, your braces will provide you with a healthy, beautiful smile. As always, the staff at Blome Family Dentistry is happy to answer your oral health questions and concerns.