How to Take Care of Your Braces in Pleasant Grove

Getting used to braces can be difficult at first, but once they come off, you’ll realize how much it was worth the wait. Having a perfectly straight smile doesn’t only improve your self-confidence, but your oral health as well. Oral hygiene will be far easier and you’ll feel so proud to show it off to friends and family!

Before you can though, you’ll need to consider these essential tips to maintain your oral health. To learn what to practice and what to avoid after receiving braces in Pleasant Grove, keep reading!

How to Maintain Your Oral Health

It’s a common problem for people to finish their braces treatment only to see that their teeth have become stained after the fact. This is because they didn’t take the time to reach all the cracks and crevices in their metal hardware, nor use the right tools.

Start by removing any elastics you’re currently wearing. Begin by brushing the wires and pins in your braces, moving from top to bottom and all the way around the upper and lower teeth. Focus on each tooth individually, making sure your bristles reach the parts covered by the brackets. Dedicate at least two minutes to this, allowing about 30 seconds to each of the four quadrants of your mouth.

When flossing, make sure to use waxed or monofilament floss to avoid tearing. After removing about 18 inches worth of floss, thread it carefully underneath the main archwire before passing it between two teeth. Gently pull it back and forth to remove plaque and food debris. If flossing is too difficult, consider purchasing a water pick to remove food debris that way.

Foods and Beverages to Avoid

While there are many foods you can eat with braces, there are also several foods and beverages you’ll want to consider reducing or cutting out completely as you undergo treatment.

Foods to avoid due to their ability to get stuck in or damage metal hardware include:

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Gum
• Ice
• Corn chips
• Hard cookies
• Crackers
• Gummy candies
• Pretzels
• Taco shells (hard)

Certain beverages can also damage and even stain braces if you’re not careful. Avoid soda or other ultra-sugary braces as these can easily get underneath your hardware and settle, causing stains and enamel erosion over time.

Foods and Beverages You Can Safely Consume

Thankfully, there are still plenty of foods you can eat with braces. Some of them require cutting into smaller and more manageable pieces, but they won’t damage your hardware. They include:

• Eggs
• Beans
• Sliced apples
• Seafood
• Soft cheese
• Yogurt
• Steamed vegetables
• Bananas
• Kiwis
• Orange slices
• Pudding
• Pasta
• Ice cream
• Pancakes
• Biscuits
• Fruit smoothies
• Rice
• Jelly
• Gelatin

Life with braces doesn’t have to be hard when you know the right tips to get ahead! To learn more helpful advice, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Pleasant Grove today!

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Whether you’re an adult or a child, Bear Creek Family Dentistry has orthodontics that can work for you! Our team of specialists have all received an additional minimum of two years of training in an accredited orthodontic residency program. To learn more about their expertise or about the practice, you can contact them through our website.