Preventing Decay While Wearing Braces

Having braces can present some new challenges when it come to keeping your teeth clean. Braces can trap food under the wires and between the teeth and the brackets leading to cavities. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy while wearing braces:

Eat Braces-Safe Foods

Avoiding cavities starts with a proper diet. Foods high in sugar or starch can cause plaque which is difficult to remove. Sticky foods, like caramel or gum, can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove. Nuts and candy could bend wires or even break a bracket. Foods that are firm or hard to bite like apples, carrots, or corn on the cob should be cut into small pieces before eating them.

Proper Brushing

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gums in order to clean the entire tooth, and brush gently in the area between the wire and the teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and brush for about 2 minutes. For even more effective cleaning, consider investing in an electric toothbrush.

Ask About Special Cleaning Tools

There are also special brushes and floss to get under your wires and clean your teeth. You can also find many of these items at your local pharmacy.

Regular Teeth Cleaning

It’s important to keep your routine appointments with your dentist and hygienist. Your hygienist can help determine the frequency of these visits.

As long as you practice good oral hygiene and follow these basic tips, you should be able to avoid tooth decay while wearing braces.