DO YOU HAVE BRACES? DOES SOMEONE YOU LOVE HAVE BRACES? Underneath all that metal, your teeth are moving—and inching you ever closer each day toward an absolutely fantastic smile! Wouldn’t it be a shame if, once those braces came off, you had a bunch of cavities!? That would be awful!
Don’t let that happen.
The gadgetry in your mouth—from the springs and wires to the rubber bands—can attract food and plaque. Dr. Daniel Theurer reminds us, “It’s important to brush properly and use floss and/or mouthwash per your orthodontist’s recommendations. Plaque that is left on your teeth and around your braces can cause your gums to swell, your teeth to become discolored, chronic stinky breath and even some cavities.”
Cleaning Braces Correctly Is A Chore, But Worth It
It’s estimated that over five million people in North America are wearing braces. If you’re one of them (or your child) be sure to take the time to pay attention to detail. While it may require spending a little more effort before bedtime, in the long run it will be worth it.
The purpose of our post today isn’t to go over all the details of caring for teeth with braces. We just want to talk about cleaning them. Your orthodontist has probably already told you lots of do’s and don’ts. But as a reminder, there are some foods you should just avoid all together such as taffy, caramels, and hard nuts. Oh, and don’t chew ice or bubble gum, and be careful with things that are hard to bite like bagels and apples.
Take a minute to watch the video below:
And if you haven’t yet had a chance to become a fan of our Facebook page, take a minute to do so now. Also follow us on Twitter to keep up with all the things happening around our practice that effect you and your family’s oral health.
