Hygiene And Care
Braces need to be treated with care. Generally avoid all foods that are sticky, hard or chewy. Soft foods are most recommended because they are easier on the braces.
When to Clean?
You should brush your teeth after every time you eat, especially when you wear braces. This will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the treatment. If you can't actually brush then at least rinse your mouth with water. If possible, carry a travel toothbrush with you. After flossing, brush your teeth thoroughly until they are clean and shiny. If you need help to find the right toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, ask our orthodontist and they can help you to find the right products.
How to Brush?
If you are wearing braces, then oral hygiene is more important than ever. Oral braces have many tiny spaces where food particles and plaque to get trapped very easily. Insufficient cleaning while wearing braces can lead to enamel staining and leads to tooth decay around the bands or brackets. Thus, if you are wearing braces, then make sure to brush your teeth after having a meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and check your teeth properly to make sure that they are clean. Brush your teeth firmly so that your smile should be in great shape by the time the braces are removed.
Consequences of poor hygiene
- Plaque: Plaque is a soft and sticky layer that forms on the teeth and contains millions of bacteria. Plaque that is not removed by regular brushing and flossing hardens and becomes impossible to remove. This can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Halitosis: When left over food particles that are stuck between the teeth are not cleaned properly, they begin to collect bacteria which emit chemicals that can cause bad breathe.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a type of gum disease which is caused by plaque build up. It can be avoided by proper and regular brushing and flossing.
- Periodontal Disease: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. It can damage the soft tissue and bone structure of the tooth. If left untreated, it may eventually lead to tooth loss.
Foods to Avoid
Oral home care and regular dental visits are very important for your dental health. For a better oral health, we should avoid a number of foods and drinks that can be harmful to our teeth.Sugary, acidic, sticky, crunchy foods, dark beverages and alcohol should be avoided. Sugary foods, acidic products, sticky foods, crunchy snacks, beverages and alcohol should be avoided. Sugary and sticky foods promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and can lead to plaque. Crunchy snacks can get stuck between your teeth, so you should these kind of foods unless you brush and floss immediately after eating. Beverages like red wine, cranberry juice and soy sauce can stain your teeth. Alcohol can reduce natural saliva production thus causing dry mouth.