So, you’ve started your journey to attain the smile of your dreams. Congratulations! This is one of the first steps to achieving not only confidence in your smile but developing a healthy oral routine.
Maintaining your braces is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly. If you neglect your oral care during this time it can cause complications such as staining, cavities, wearing braces longer than planned, and gum diseases later in life. This is why we have compiled some best practices that you should implement into your daily oral health routine.
Best Practices
If you already have a daily oral routine in place then implementing these extra steps will enhance your care. However, if you do not currently have a routine in place then consider this the first step to developing healthy habits that will sustain your health after your braces are long gone.
- Choose the proper toothpaste, floss, and oral rinse. Speak with your dentist about what products are best for metal brace care. You want to avoid products with dyes and harmful products.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Soft bristles will ensure your metal braces will not be harmed. Brush at a 45-degree angle above your braces towards your gums and a 45-degree angle below your braces away from your gums.
- Rinse often. Rinsing before brushing will loosen any food particles which will make it easier to clean. If you cannot brush your teeth immediately after eating then simply rinse your mouth after each meal to get rid of loose food in your teeth and braces.
- Clean each tooth individually. It is important to make sure the inner and outer tooth is clean. Use a gentle circular motion.
- Floss between wires. Keeps your wires clean by threading the floss between wires, without pulling, gently floss.
- Use an oral irrigator. Use to remove stubborn debris and loosen food.
- Use a floss threader. Makes it easier to floss in between brace and gums.
- Check the mirror. Check for any debris or food that may be left after brushing and flossing.
- Choose your diet carefully. Avoid nuts, sticky candy, popcorn, bagels, corn chips, whole raw fruit, tough meat, and peanut butter.
- Do not miss maintenance appointments. Appointments are important for checking your progress, oral health planning, adjusting as necessary, and addressing any concerns you may have.
Pain Management
It is normal to experience sensitivity and pain after your initial installation. The good news is that means the braces are working and your teeth have begun shifting in the direction you intended them to. However, if you experience excessive bleeding or intolerable pain please contact us right away.
If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency we offer same-day appointments to address your emergency right away.
The initial pain you are experiencing will begin to subside as you adjust to your new braces but we understand how uncomfortable it may be during this time. We have provided some at-home solutions you can administer to alleviate your pain.
● Apply orthodontic wax if a wire is causing irritation
● Apply a cold pack to the external area of the cheek
● Oral or topical anesthetics can be used to temporarily numb the area causing you pain
● Over-the-counter medication. Discuss with your dentist if there are any particular acetaminophen or Ibuprofen you should be using. It is worth noting, for your safety, do not use NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if you have been advised by a medical professional to avoid them, are currently taking blood thinners, or are pregnant.
Schedule An Appointment Today
We are here to help you throughout this journey, please contact us if you have questions or concerns. Need to schedule an appointment? No worries, you can do so here.