Tips to take care of your dental braces

Misaligned teeth can be a spoilsport for good oral health and a pretty smile. The best way to fix the problem is by investing in a set of dental braces. But what happens after your orthodontist in Palm Bay sets up the new wired and metallic equipment in your mouth? You have to take up the responsibility of maintaining and caring for the braces on your own – and it is not an easy task. Here are some tips to help you get through it. 

How to care for your braces?

1. Choose the right brush

Braces are meant for good oral health, but on the other side can degrade it as well. Food particles easily get stick in the wires and develop plaque and cavities. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and brush thoroughly above and below braces at a 45-degree angle. Then use a cone-shaped inter-ortho brush to reach between the braces, and finish with diligent flossing. 

2. Avoid sticky and chewy foods

There are some foods that are on the not-to-eat list with braces because of their nature of getting stuck between teeth. Some of these are hard nuts, sticky candies, hard crackers, chips, popcorn, gum etc. Consume foods like vegetables, fruits, soft breads, lean meats, soft chocolate, etc. Make sure to take smaller bites. 

3. Rinse with saltwater

Braces can sometimes cause irritation in the mouth. To alleviate the symptom, rinse your mouth with half a teaspoon table salt in a cup of lukewarm water for 30 seconds to a minute around 4-5 times a day.