Suppose you or a family member are planning to use metal braces to correct dental misalignments; there are several precautions and guidelines to keep in mind for perfect results. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your metal braces last long.
Pick the Right Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash.
Your Walla Walla orthodontist can recommend the best mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Metal braces can be damaged by some oral health products’ abrasive or harsh components. If you have teeth braces, you will need floss that can slide easily between your teeth and over the wires.
If you want to keep your breath smelling fresh, using mouthwash is a good idea; however, you should be careful to choose a brand without any red or green dyes, as these may stain the metal parts or the removable elastics of your braces. Keep your metal braces in pristine condition by always using the materials your orthodontist suggests.
Proper Brushing to Remove Food and Drink Particles
When you have metal braces, you must be extra careful when brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the wires or dislodging the brackets. Using a toothbrush with softer bristles and gently brushing is essential. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating snacks or meals can help remove food stuck between your teeth and braces.
Floss At least Once a Day.
Your orthodontist will likely recommend a specific type of floss that you should buy and then use daily. With proper flossing technique, you can protect your teeth from decay and eliminate bad breath even while wearing braces.
Use an Oral Irrigator
An oral irrigator is an excellent investment to eliminate even more plaque and food debris from your mouth. This compact unit is designed to be placed on the bathroom countertop and refilled with clean water before use.
A wand draws water from the irrigator’s tank and shoots it out at a moderate pressure, effectively washing away debris like food and bacteria from your gums, teeth, and braces. Instead of skipping out on brushing and flossing altogether, using this tool is a simple method to improve your oral health. Your orthodontist may recommend using an oral irrigator no more than once weekly to provide extra cleanliness.
Carefully Choose Your Foods
While you have metal braces on your teeth, gums and alveolar bones need extra nourishment. Children and teenagers should prioritize eating the healthiest foods possible. However, there are a few things you should never put near your braces, wires, or brackets. Your orthodontist in Walla Walla will list foods to avoid once they have put metal braces on your teeth.
After getting braces, you must stick to soft foods that will not aggravate your new orthodontic work. As your mouth adjusts to the metal braces, you can begin eating the foods recommended by your orthodontist.
Checkups with your Walla Walla orthodontist at the set schedule are essential for ensuring that your treatment is proceeding as planned. As an additional safety measure, you should visit your dentist immediately if your braces break. Talk to your dentist about metal braces and other orthodontic solutions available if you have further questions or concerns about caring for them.
