How to Take Care of Your Teeth With Braces

Braces are a great way to straighten a misaligned smile and improve oral health.  It is important to know how to properly care for your teeth during treatment to ensure effective results. By practicing good oral hygiene and ensuring the braces are not damaged in any way, you can complete the process with a beautiful smile you are happy to show off.

Tips for oral care with braces

There are certain things that everyone with braces should do to keep the braces in quality condition and protect teeth and gums throughout the treatment process. The following are three useful tips for keeping good oral health throughout the braces process.

Practice good oral hygiene

Perhaps the most important oral care tip to be mindful of when going through braces treatment is practicing good oral hygiene. People with braces may be at a higher risk of teeth staining, especially if food particles get stuck in between teeth and braces. In order to ensure good oral health and a more attractive smile throughout treatment, it is important to brush several times each day, floss and use mouthwash regularly and check for any signs of an oral health concern. If any oral health issues develop, be sure to consult with your orthodontist for prompt treatment.

Eat a proper diet

Another important care tip to follow when living with braces is to eat a proper diet. Braces are not able to be removed while eating, which means they are subject to damage from certain foods, including hard fruits and vegetables, chewy foods and ice. Instead, try and eat foods that are easier to chew and less likely to get stuck on and in between the brackets and wires of the braces. It is also encouraged to avoid foods that are high in sugar as they may increase the risk of enamel erosion or teeth staining.

Visit the orthodontist regularly

Visiting the orthodontist on a regular basis during treatment can help ensure the treatment is effective and the braces do not need to be worn for longer than what is absolutely necessary. A common mistake many patients make is constantly canceling their scheduled appointments, which can push back their progress and make it more difficult to ensure oral health issues do not develop. Be sure to consult with your orthodontist as to how often a visit is needed and what signs indicate an additional trip to the office is required.

Talk to an orthodontist about braces care

Braces have been a popular form of teeth straightening, and they have helped many achieve a more attractive smile and an increased level of confidence. If you are interested in learning more about how braces can benefit you and how to effectively care for your teeth during treatment, consult with us today and schedule a time to visit with us for an oral examination and treatment recommendation. We can guide you through the entire treatment process, ensuring you are able to keep good oral health and achieve a better, more well-aligned smile.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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