Life with braces might initially seem filled with struggles and can be frightening. However, it can all be straightforward, and time will quickly pass if you put your best effort into adapting to a new lifestyle. Soon enough, braces will be removed, revealing a new straight, healthy, good-looking smile. The staff at a dental clinic in NW Calgary will give you a detailed explanation of how to take care of your braces. However, here’s a compiled list of your ideal hygiene routine if you want to refresh your memory.
1. Brushing your teeth a little longer and more frequently
Brushing has to be your main goal. Every bracket, wire, spring, and rubber band should have optimum cleanliness. Since those pieces can trap food and plaque, stains and cavities may affect your teeth, so brush after each meal. You must spend more than two minutes cleaning them to brush your mouth thoroughly. Remember to give your mouth a quick rinse after.
2. The proper technique
All the hardware on your teeth needs the perfect tool: use a soft toothbrush. It doesn’t matter if it’s manual or motorized. Make sure you also brush all surfaces of your teeth and braces, focusing on the area between them and the gum tissue since this area tends to gather food and plaque. Move the toothbrush across the front surface of the teeth from side to side rather than in regular, small circular motions. A dentist near you might recommend different tools to help you clean food residues and develop proper oral care. A water flosser or Waterpik and an interproximal brush are tools specifically designed for cleaning in between braces.
After putting on braces in NW Calgary, find all the supplies necessary to keep your smile fresh and healthy, and your cleaning routine will be a breeze.
3. Flossing with braces
Traditional flossing can be difficult to do after getting braces. Instead, thread the floss under the wire, pull gently between your teeth, and continue with regular motions up and down. Any other way may take more work and time. Moreover, this is the best way you can clean any hard-to-reach areas. Try to floss at least once a day.
4. Never leave home without your tools.
The great idea is to pack a small dental travel kit so brushing outside your home can be easy and trouble-free. It should include a toothbrush, flossing equipment, fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and a bottle of water in case it is unavailable.
5. Mouth discomfort can ruin your day.
After getting braces near you, your lips or cheeks might get slightly irritated by sharp edges or pokey wires. A small piece of orthodontic wax can solve that problem. Place a little piece of wax on the braces or wires bothering you. Try to bend it carefully with a pencil eraser and warm the wax slightly before putting it on. This way, you provide a smooth surface for the lips or cheeks, and the pain will disappear.
To avoid damaging your braces, try not to eat hard foods. Cut them into small pieces and chew with your back teeth if necessary. Sticky or sweet food can also be problematic because they are hard to remove from in-between brackets and wires. Remember to make checkups and hygiene appointments with your dentist regularly. These take a little longer because your dentist thoroughly cleans every bracket and wire.
If there’s something you don’t understand or have any questions, contact a dentist near you to solve this problem and have no trouble on the road towards your perfect smile.
