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Wearing braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. However, maintaining optimal oral health during your orthodontic treatment is crucial to ensure the best results. At Leland Orthodontics in Reno, NV, we want to help you navigate this journey with ease. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical advice on maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces and discuss how to manage common issues such as discomfort and broken brackets.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Braces
1. Brush Thoroughly & Frequently
Brushing your teeth regularly is more important than ever when you have braces. Follow these guidelines:
- Brush After Every Meal — Food particles can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires. Brushing after each meal helps prevent plaque buildup.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush — A soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush can effectively clean around brackets and wires without causing damage.
- Brush at a 45-Degree Angle — Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush gently along the gum line and around each bracket.
- Electric Toothbrush — Consider using an electric toothbrush with a special orthodontic head for a more thorough clean.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it’s essential for removing plaque and food particles between your teeth. Here are some tips:
- Use a Floss Threader — A floss threader helps you maneuver dental floss under the archwire.
- Interdental Brushes — These small, cone-shaped brushes can clean between your teeth and around brackets more effectively than standard floss.
- Water Flossers — A water flosser uses a stream of water to remove particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. Rinse after brushing and flossing to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
4. Avoid Certain Foods
Some foods can damage your braces or make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid the following:
- Sticky or Chewy Foods — Caramel, gum, and chewy candies can get stuck in your braces.
- Hard Foods — Nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can break brackets or wires.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks — Limit sugary snacks and beverages to prevent plaque buildup and decay.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Scheduled Adjustments
Regular check-ups are vital for monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments. These appointments allow Dr. Leland to:
- Tighten or replace wires
- Adjust bands or brackets
- Monitor tooth movement and overall oral health
Professional Cleanings
In addition to your orthodontic visits, continue seeing your general dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that can accumulate around braces.
Managing Common Issues
Discomfort & Soreness
It’s normal to experience some discomfort when you first get braces or after adjustments. To manage soreness:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water — Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth to soothe irritation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers — Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain.
- Orthodontic Wax — Apply orthodontic wax to any brackets or wires causing irritation to the inside of your mouth.
Broken Brackets or Wires
Occasionally, brackets or wires may become loose or break. Here’s what to do:
- Broken Bracket — If a bracket breaks or becomes loose, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair appointment.
- Protruding Wire — If a wire is poking your cheek or gums, use a pencil eraser to gently push it back into place. You can also cover it with orthodontic wax until you can visit our office.
Maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces is essential for achieving a successful orthodontic outcome. By following these tips and staying diligent with your care routine, you’ll help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and your treatment progresses smoothly. Remember, the team at Leland Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your braces, don’t hesitate to contact our team!
