You have your braces on, now what?

As soon as you get your braces on, oral hygiene (keeping your teeth clean) is really important for the very best results when those braces come off!

Brushing

Brushing is a biggie! It is recommended to brush twice a day; morning and night. But with braces, you will notice quickly that food can become trapped in the appliance. Interdental brushes and switching to an electric toothbrush can really make a BIG difference. So, carry on with those late-night munchies, but just remember to take care of those teeth!

Dental floss

Remember to always floss! Flossing can be tedious, especially since you have just spent all that time brushing your teeth. Sometimes food can really get stuck in your teeth, which is why waxed dental floss is good as it is less likely to break on you. Following this, mouthwash can be useful to kill any harmful bacteria missed by the flossing and brushing.

Watching what you eat

No chewing gum!? It is hard to be cautious about what you eat, but a bad diet could damage your braces. (It can also impact on the final look and health of your teeth when treatment ends.) Eating too many sugary or hard foods can cause plaque build-up and staining, or can even loosen the brackets or break wires

Foods to avoid during treatment include:

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Raw apples
• Carrots
• Caramel
• Corn on the cob

Always follow up with your Orthodontist

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ensure you are following your orthodontist’s recommendations. Always schedule follow-up appointments, and try to not miss them, as this can delay your treatment.