5 Tips for Caring for Your Teeth With Braces

Wearing braces can give you life-changing benefits. Straight teeth not only look more attractive, but they’re also better for your oral health. You give bacteria fewer places to hide, reducing your risk for cavities. If you have a TMJ disorder, fixing your alignment issues can alleviate this problem. However, caring for your teeth with braces can be a challenge. We’re sharing a few tips that can help:

  • Brush regularly

Brushing your teeth is an important habit whether you have braces or not. It’s even more essential, though, when you do. Food particles and plaque can easily stick to metal wires and brackets. Without regular brushing, you are at risk for cavities or other infections. Spend at least two minutes daily brushing your teeth. Use slow, circular motions and brush all sides of your tooth.

  • Floss daily

When you enjoy a meal with braces, food particles can quickly get stuck in your braces. You can purchase a special threader floss that gets underneath the wires to floss your teeth. Make sure you do this at least once daily, if not after every meal. It takes longer than regular flossing routines, but it’s essential for oral health.

  • Avoid hard or sticky foods

We’ll make sure you know the types of food you should avoid in order to keep your braces in good shape. However, a general rule of thumb is to stay away from sticky or hard foods. Things like popcorn, sticky or hard candies, or nuts can damage the brackets or loosen the wires. 

  • Wear a mouthguard

If you play sports, make sure you wear a mouthguard. One blow to the face can damage your wires and brackets. However, don’t purchase the mouthguards you see in the store. We can custom-create one that fits over your braces and protects your cheeks, lips, tongue, and teeth. It will be comfortable to wear, so you can speak and breathe normally.

  • Regular checkups

Keeping up with your orthodontic checkups is important to maintaining a healthy smile while wearing braces. In addition to wire adjustments, we’ll also make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape. We can also look for any underlying oral health issues that need treatment. It’s also a time for you to address any concerns you may have about your orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about caring for your teeth with braces, call 219-641-3422 or schedule online to set up an appointment at Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS in Crown Point, IN.