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1. Increase the frequency of brushing your teeth throughout the day.
Our dental arches often have many gaps, especially with braces that involve shifting and structural changes. This makes it easier for excess food and plaque to accumulate on the teeth. Therefore, if you only brush your teeth twice a day using a regular toothbrush, it is not possible to eliminate all the bacteria on the teeth, especially in areas with metal or ceramic brackets.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and increase the frequency of brushing each day. It is also advisable to have regular dental cleanings. Therefore, when caring for braces, it is important to increase the frequency of brushing to at least three times a day to remove food debris and clean the gums. It is recommended to use soft-bristled toothbrushes or specialized brushes to remove all the excess food while maintaining the safety of the brackets.
In addition, consider using dental floss or a water flosser daily to remove any remaining plaque that the brush cannot reach.
2. Pay attention to your diet.
When wearing braces, your teeth are more delicate, so it is important to pay attention to your diet. Instead of consuming regular foods, opt for softer foods and cut them into smaller pieces to make chewing easier.
In the early days of wearing braces, you can consume more soups, porridge, and broths to ensure sufficient nutrient intake without affecting the brackets.
Avoid eating overly hard or sticky foods such as chewing gum, as they can affect the braces’ alignment. It is necessary to maintain this diet consistently throughout the braces-wearing process to achieve the best results.
3. Be mindful of harmful substances for teeth.
Limit foods high in sugar and starch as they can produce acid and plaque on the teeth, leading to dental problems quickly, especially during the braces-wearing period when the impact is even greater.
Minimize consumption of harmful beverages for teeth, such as tea, fruit juices, or excessively sweet drinks.
Avoid consuming substances that can stain teeth to prevent yellowing.
4. Do not attempt to adjust the braces’ wires on your own.
When wearing braces, especially for those who are new to braces, the braces wires can cause discomfort, such as the end position of the braces frame poking the cheeks. The braces can also make it difficult to eat, speak, etc. It is absolutely important not to attempt to adjust the archwires or brackets on your own, as it can affect the effectiveness and the position of the braces that the orthodontist has fixed on your teeth.
In cases where you experience excessive discomfort or constant irritation to the gums or oral cavity, it is advisable to visit a specialized orthodontist for a thorough examination and appropriate adjustments.
5. Be cautious during play and sports activities.
Engaging in unsafe sports activities can lead to unwanted consequences for your teeth, such as loose or damaged archwires and brackets. Therefore, when participating in sports or recreational activities, it is important to use protective mouthguards and consult a dentist before choosing a particular sport.
If an accident related to the face occurs during play or sports activities, it is important to see a dentist for immediate evaluation and timely adjustments if any damage occurs.
6. Adhere to regular check-up appointments.
To achieve the best results with braces, in addition to proper oral care and exercise, it is important to adhere to the scheduled check-up appointments with your orthodontist. Regular check-ups also allow the orthodontist to stay updated on the condition of your teeth and promptly address any issues that may arise.
Always follow your orthodontist’s scheduled dental check-up appointments.
7. Measures to alleviate pain after getting braces.
During the first few days after getting braces, it is normal to experience discomfort and soreness as the teeth and gums undergo structural changes. To alleviate the pain and soreness after getting braces, rinsing your mouth with saline solution or using specialized mouthwashes can be helpful.
If you experience severe pain beyond what you can tolerate, it is important to consult a dentist to seek advice and explore solutions to reduce swelling and pain. Avoid using any products or measures without the approval of a specialized dentist, especially antibiotics or pain-relieving medications.