We’ve all heard the phrase “smile like you mean it,” but what if you’re sporting a set of braces? It takes a little extra time and knowledge to keep your dental hygiene and a dazzling smile while navigating the world of braces. There’s so many new challenges for your mouth; even brushing your teeth and eating feels more difficult. From brushing and flossing to managing oral pain, and even dishing out some tasty ideas for safe foods, let’s discuss what you need to know for healthy Springfield dental care with braces!

Your Braces Need Dental Hygiene  Too

While your braces may be doing a lot of good for your future oral health, you want to keep your teeth pristine so they stay as strong as they’re going to look! At the core of any daily dental care routine is brushing and flossing, but it looks a little different with braces.

Brushing And Flossing

Brushing and flossing your teeth with braces requires extra care to ensure thorough cleaning while being gentle on your brackets and wires. Get between all those nooks and crannies with this quick guide to brushing with braces:

1. Start by rinsing your mouth with water to remove any loose food particles.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and gently brush the outer surfaces of your teeth and brackets in small circular motions. Be sure to clean around each bracket.
3. Brush the inner surfaces of your teeth and brackets using the same circular motion. Clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth using back-and-forth motions.
4. Brush your tongue, rinse thoroughly with water and inspect your teeth to ensure all debris has been removed.

Flossing can sometimes be even more challenging than brushing with braces, but is essential because of how easy plaque and food can become lodged in your mouth. Here’s a step-by-step process for flossing with braces:

1. Use a floss threader to thread a long piece of floss. We recommend at least 12 inches of floss.
2. Insert the threader behind the archwire on the gums-side of your braces and pull the floss through until you have an equal length on both sides.
3. Hold the floss firmly and carefully slide it up and down between two teeth, moving it below the gumline.
4. Gently move the floss in a C-shaped motion around the sides of each tooth, ensuring you clean all surfaces.
5. Pull the floss out and re-thread it through the threader for the next set of teeth, using a clean section of floss each time.
6. Rinse your mouth with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.

Orthodontic floss or floss picks: These specialized flossing tools are designed to fit around braces and effectively clean between the teeth and brackets.

Interdental toothbrushes: These small brushes can be helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas between brackets and wires.

Water flossers: Water flossers use a stream of water to remove plaque and debris from around braces, providing an alternative to traditional flossing.

Foods To Avoid With Braces

Certain foods can pose challenges when you’re wearing braces, as they can damage the wires, brackets or even get stuck in the braces, leading to discomfort or oral health issues. Hard crunchy foods like nuts, candies, popcorn and ice cubes can potentially break the wires or brackets, leading to another dentist appointment for repairs. Watch out for sticky foods too; chewing gum, caramel, taffy, or gummy candies can easily get lodged in the braces, making them hard to clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Foods that require excessive biting or tearing, such as raw carrots or apples, can also put pressure on the braces and cause damage. It’s important to avoid these foods or consume them with caution during your orthodontic treatment to protect your braces and maintain good oral health.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet while wearing braces, there are still plenty of options available. Choose soft and tender foods that are easy to chew and won’t harm your braces, like:

• Cooked vegetables
• Pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Bananas
• Scrambled eggs 
• Soups, and
• Smoothies

Opt for nutrient-rich foods that support overall oral health, such as leafy greens, dairy products, and foods high in calcium and vitamin C. A balanced diet while safeguarding your braces and oral health is possible!

A Pain-Free Braces Experience

No matter how careful you are with your braces, there’s sometimes where they may irritate your teeth and gums. When you start feeling pain, it’s important to address it promptly to ensure your comfort and well-being. Here’s what you can do:

Rinse with warm saltwater

Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth with the solution. This can help alleviate any soreness or inflammation in your gums and oral tissues.

Use orthodontic wax

If a bracket or wire is causing irritation or poking your gums or cheeks, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax to the area. The wax creates a protective barrier and reduces friction, providing relief from discomfort.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers

Non-prescription pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage instructions and ask your orthodontist or pharmacist if you have any concerns about the amount of pain you’re feeling.

Stick to soft foods

Choose softer foods that require minimal chewing, especially in the first few days after your braces are adjusted or when experiencing discomfort. Opt for options like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, smoothies, or scrambled eggs.

Apply a cold pack

If you experience swelling or inflammation around your mouth or jaw, applying a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth can help reduce the discomfort.

Dental Checkups Keep The Braces Clean!

If you’re ever struggling with keeping your braces and smile healthy, Springfield Dental is here to help! Contact us and set up an appointment to talk about braces and dental hygiene. You can stay pain-free, nutritious, and keep your teeth clean, all with braces!