Keeping your braces clean can be quite the ordeal. Because of how braces are situated, they are great at trapping food which can lead to decay, staining and gum disease. Let’s take a look at some ways that you can keep your braces clean from your orthodontist in South Florida.
Brushing twice a day is standard operating procedure when it comes to oral health. Twice is ideal for people that don’t have braces though. For people that have braces, brushing after every meal is optimal. That's because food particles easily become trapped in the braces, and the longer those particles stay trapped, the greater risk you have of developing dental problems. You also need to make sure to floss at least once a day, using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to floss between the braces and under the wires.
When it comes to eating with braces, certain foods can do damage to your braces. It’s important to avoid those foods at all cost. Eating too many sugary and starchy foods can cause plaque to build up around the brackets, which can cause staining of the teeth, causing cavities or leading to gum disease. Eating sticky and chewy foods can become stuck and be hard to remove from braces. Hard foods can cause the wires to break and loosen the brackets.
Regular dental visits are also imperative to keep both your braces and teeth clean. When it’s time for your next dental checkup, contact us to request a reservation.
