The Dos and Dont's of Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums While Wearing Braces
Braces may be a good choice in the long run, but they are not always fun to wear or easy to clean. At New York Dental Studio, we want our patients to understand proper oral hygiene. Our dental office on Manhattan's Upper East Side is here to take good care of your teeth. Here are several dos and don'ts for keeping your teeth and gums healthy until your braces come off!
What Are Traditional Braces?
Invisalign and other clear aligners may be becoming more common. However, there are still plenty of people that prefer traditional braces over the extra responsibility of remembering to wear a removable alternative. These braces straighten your teeth using brackets and wires made from metal or another material and attached to each of your teeth. This process improves both your appearance and oral health by eliminating areas that are excessively difficult to clean that are caused by uneven teeth.
Dos of Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums While Wearing Braces
Wearing braces is not always easy, but taking a few simple steps can make avoiding damaging them and keeping your teeth clean much more straightforward. Some of the most important ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces include:
Asking your dentist about specific techniques that can help you brush your teeth more effectively with braces and doing so regularly
Attending regular dental appointments
Wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces while playing sports
Eating a healthy diet that consists of foods that are less likely to damage your braces
Dont's of Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums While Wearing Braces
Some of the most important things to avoid while wearing braces include the following:
Eating excessively hard foods, chewy or sticky foods that may damage your braces
Chewing on pens, pencils, or other nonfood items that can bend or break your braces
Using tobacco products because having a harder time brushing thoroughly can make you more likely to experience tooth discoloration or diseases
Skipping appointments that give your orthodontist or dentist regular opportunities to identify and solve problems with your braces or oral hygiene
Special Considerations for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums While Wearing Braces
Here are several helpful tips for making wearing and cleaning your braces easier!
Being sure to clean your braces and other orthodontic appliances regularly
Switching to interdental brushes and water flossers that can more efficiently reach between your teeth and close to your braces than average products
Finding a pain management routine that works well for you early on to minimize the level of discomfort, you experience each time your braces are tightened
Common Problems to Watch for While Wearing Braces
Braces can be linked to many potential problems because they often make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, the presence of something extra on your teeth can make reaching between your teeth and the areas of your teeth that are right next to your braces quite challenging. Some of the most common problems that can be associated with wearing braces include:
More tooth decay than you normally experience and an increased likelihood of developing cavities
Gingivitis and other types of gum disease
White spots on your teeth that are caused by increased plaque buildup
Your dentist can provide further recommendations for minimizing specific problems until your braces come off if you have difficulty keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
What Orthodontic Services Are Available at New York Dental Studio?
Choosing the best orthodontic treatment option for you plays an important role in making your teeth look their best, and we have various choices available to match your needs and preferences. If traditional braces are not for you, we also offer the following:
Invisalign: clear, removable plastic trays that completely cover your teeth to straighten them.
OrthoFX: an alternative to Invisalign that also whitens your teeth and often provides faster results.
These removable options can be particularly helpful if you are concerned about your ability to keep your teeth clean while wearing traditional braces.
Choose New York Dental Studio for Quality Braces on Manhattan's Upper East Side, NY
At New York Dental Studio, we want you to have the healthy smile you have always wanted. This starts with maintaining good oral hygiene, attending orthodontic appointments, addressing dental issues, and getting professional cleanings. Your oral care can be maintained at home by doing small things like using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding sugary food, and taking proper care of your overall health. Contact us today to learn more about why we are a top choice among patients on Manhattan's Upper East Side, NY searching for quality orthodontic care or to schedule a consultation!