8 Helpful Tips For Dealing With Braces

Crooked or misshapen teeth do not just hurt your self-confidence; they can make brushing and flossing more difficult. If your teeth are misshapen, you may be susceptible to cavities and other oral health problems. The good news is that you have the option of getting braces. Braces can straighten your teeth and give you the gorgeous smile you have always dreamed about having. However, braces can be a challenge to get used to at first. Here are eight helpful tips for dealing with braces.

Know What Foods to Avoid

Unfortunately, you can't eat what you want when you have braces. Foods that are overly chewy and crunchy can get stuck in your braces and even lead to broken brackets and wires. If you have braces, you should absolutely avoid gum, nuts, hard candies, caramel and popcorn. If you plan on eating corn, you should cut it off the cob.

Get a Water Flosser

When you have braces, it can be difficult to properly clean in between your teeth with regular floss. That is why you should consider buying a water flosser. It is much more effective at removing food particles and plaque that gets stuck in your brackets. If you use a water flosser, you will be much less likely to get cavities or gum disease.

Brush After Every Meal

You will have to step up your brushing routine once you get braces. Food particles can easily get stuck in your teeth when you have braces, so you have to remove them as quickly as possible. Remember to brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal. Brushing your teeth more often can be difficult to get used to at first, but it will benefit your teeth.

Relieve Soreness With Warm Salt Water

When you first get your braces, you may experience some soreness in your mouth for the first few days. An easy way to relieve this soreness is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Just pour one teaspoon of salt into a warm cup of water. Swish the solution in your mouth for about 60 seconds.

Wear a Mouth Guard While Playing Sports

If you play sports, you should always wear a mouth guard. A ball can easily hit your face and damage your braces. A mouth guard will protect your braces from getting damaged. Talk to your orthodontist about getting a custom mouth guard.

Do Not Panic About Loose Wires

If a wire on your braces gets loose, do not get alarmed, as it is quite normal. Just make an appointment with your orthodontist to get it repaired. If the loose wire is causing you any discomfort, just apply some wax to it. 

Avoid Sodas and Juices

Sodas and juices might taste good, but you should avoid drinking them as much as possible while you have braces. These sugary beverages not only wear down the enamel of your teeth; they also can leave spots on your teeth that are difficult to remove.

Do Not Skip Your Orthodontic Appointments

It might seem obvious, but you should never skip your orthodontic appointments. During these appointments, your orthodontist will examine your entire mouth and make sure the braces are working effectively. Your orthodontist will also make necessary adjustments to your braces. An orthodontic appointment only takes a little time out of your day and can improve the way your braces work.

If you follow these helpful tips, you will have a much easier time dealing with your braces. If you ever encounter severe pain or discomfort with your braces, you should see your orthodontist as soon as possible. Visit http://www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com for more information, or contact a local dental clinic. 


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