When starting one’s journey with traditional braces, it presents new challenges to one’s daily routine. Common challenges, such as food getting stuck, difficulty flossing, and increased plaque buildup, can make metal braces seem daunting. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene will help keep a healthier smile and support successful orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to discover how to manage your daily oral health care routine, which foods to avoid, and how Greg Brown Orthodontics can support you throughout your treatment.
Daily Oral Care Routine for Traditional Braces
When you get traditional braces, maintaining proper oral hygiene is more important than ever. By consistently completing the following oral health care routine, you can prevent potential oral health problems before they occur. Not only will these techniques minimize plaque buildup and white spots on the teeth, but they can also help you avoid chronic bad breath, gum irritation, cavities, and other more severe oral health issues. Here are the steps you should take every day to maintain your oral hygiene with metal braces.
#1: Brushing
Brushing your teeth with metal braces can be more challenging than brushing without them, but the extra effort is necessary to maintain a clean and healthy smile.
When brushing your teeth, we suggest starting with a soft-bristled toothbrush when you first get your traditional braces, as your teeth and mouth may be sore. As you become more accustomed to your metal braces and confident with your brushing technique, you can switch to an electric toothbrush.
To brush your teeth with metal braces, angle your brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, brushing each section of your mouth for at least two minutes. Always pay close attention to the chewing surfaces of your molars and those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. If you’re having trouble reaching those hard-to-reach spots with your regular toothbrush, we suggest using an interdental brush to assist you.
Additionally, we recommend that patients with traditional braces use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities during their treatment.
#2: Flossing
When you have metal braces, it is highly recommended to floss your teeth at least once a day. Since flossing with traditional braces requires extra time, we typically recommend incorporating it into your nightly oral health routine before going to bed.
To floss your teeth with metal braces, we suggest using floss threaders or water flossers. For floss threaders, you will want to take your time threading the floss behind each wire to make sure you get between each tooth. It takes time, but try not to rush the process.
For a water flosser, use the orthodontic tip and start with low pressure. Starting at the back teeth, aim the tip at the gumline and slowly move around the surface and crevice of each tooth, paying special attention to the brackets.
For areas you can’t quite reach, an interdental toothbrush can also help.
#3: Mouthwash
We often get asked if patients should use mouthwash when they have traditional braces. The answer: YES! Orthodontic mouthwash, or fluoride-based mouthwash, is an excellent addition to your oral health care routine when you have traditional braces.
We suggest using mouthwash 30 minutes after you have flossed and brushed your teeth, as you want the fluoride from your toothpaste to activate and protect your tooth enamel before it is washed away by the mouthwash. Therefore, to incorporate this into your daily routine, we suggest brushing your teeth first, then proceeding with the rest of your beauty routine (showering, styling your hair, getting dressed, etc.), and finally swishing your mouthwash right before heading out the door.
#4: Dental Wax
Dental wax is an excellent tool to use with traditional braces, helping to prevent mouth sores and reduce the pain caused by the braces rubbing against the mouth.
At the end of your oral health care routine, if you feel as though your mouth is sore, you can apply dental wax to your metal braces. To do this, make sure you wash your hands and pat your braces dry with a clean towel. Then, take a small amount of wax, roll it into a ball, and let it warm between your fingers for about five seconds. Place it on the painful area and gently rub it in. At Greg Brown Orthodontics, we have dental wax available in our office; patients are welcome to stop by and pick it up at any time.
Just keep in mind that you will need to remove any dental wax before eating or going about your next dental care routine.
Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips:
One of the best ways to maintain your oral hygiene and keep your oral care routine easy when you have traditional braces is by avoiding certain foods. We suggest skipping or minimizing the following, as they could damage your metal braces:
- Sugary or acidic drinks and food: Sodas, juices, and citrus fruits can erode your enamel over time. While you don’t need to eliminate them, we suggest limiting them in your diet.
- Sticky snacks: Snacks like peanut granola bars, caramels, and chewy candies can become stuck to your braces, making them difficult to remove. We suggest eliminating these foods.
- Hard foods: Nuts, popcorn kernels, and ice can easily break the brackets or wires of metal braces. These foods should be avoided altogether.
- Chewy meats or breads: Bagels, steak, and other chewy meats or breads can be tough on your metal braces. We suggest minimizing these foods or cutting them into small pieces so you don’t have to bite down on them with your braces.
Why Choose Greg Brown Orthodontics?
If you are planning to get traditional braces or already have them and need a new orthodontist, we at Greg Brown Orthodontics are here to help. With a commitment to helping patients maintain oral health throughout their treatment, our friendly and professional team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth orthodontic experience for you.
We suggest giving us a visit if you haven’t already. We are happy to supply regular check-ups and adjustments. Additionally, with our expertise in orthodontic care and patient education, we can provide professional cleaning recommendations tailored to patients with braces.
Got a broken bracket or wire? No problem! Simply call us, explain the situation, and we will schedule an emergency appointment for you.
No matter the situation, Greg Brown Orthodontics is here to guide you through your orthodontic journey. Schedule an appointment today!
