Protect Your Oral Health During Braces Treatment

If you wear braces, you probably dream of the day when you have your orthodontic appointment to have the braces removed. Finally, you’ll have beautiful teeth that will make you feel great about smiling! Orthodontic treatment can take up to two years—and sometimes more! That’s a long time to wait for a reveal! But what if your teeth aren’t in as good a condition as you had assumed when your braces come off? There have been instances when poor oral health habits have led to one or more teeth being in bad shape under thosebraces in Bethesda, MD. To make sure your teeth are well taken care of during braces treatment, follow these tips.

1. Be Careful What You Eat

You won’t be able to eat everything you used to. Avoid things that can get stuck in braces. Chewing gum is off limits, too. Bread gets stuck in braces, so it’s probably best to avoid sandwiches. Any food debris that gets stuck is liable to lead to tooth decay.

2. Brush Well

A quick, gentle tooth brushing may not be sufficient when you wear braces. Make sure you use a firm touch, and inspect your mouth afterward to make sure you got everything off your teeth from your meal. And whatever you do, never skip brushing!

3. Use a Water Flosser

A water flosser does a great job of reaching those nooks and crannies in braces. It’s worth the investment to ensure you’re getting rid of all the food debris trapped in your mouth.

As yourBethesda, MD orthodontist, we work hard for you. With your help, together we can ensure your teeth look fantastic after braces treatment.