It’s true that traditional braces can create barriers to good dental hygiene — but only if you let them. It’s not so difficult to take good care of your brackets and wires and the teeth that are underneath, you just need to know how to do it. That’s why your 78006 dentist Dr. Kurt Mackie is here with tips for keeping your braces clean for good dental health during orthodontic treatment!
#1: Brush (more) often
You’re used to brushing your teeth twice a day, but Dr. Mackie wants to remind you that you should be brushing your teeth more often now that you’re wearing braces. Commit to brushing thoroughly after each meal (and snack!) for optimal dental health. To do the best job, first rinse with water or mouthwash to remove any food particles from your braces. Then brush the gum line and the teeth above braces, and brush the braces themselves by angling down with your toothbrush above and below the brackets.
#2: Floss regularly
Now that you’ve got braces, good flossing habits are more important than ever. Food particles and bacteria that build up between the teeth are impossible to remove by brushing and rinsing alone, so floss at least once a day to keep your teeth as healthy as possible throughout your orthodontic treatment. You can make flossing between the teeth easier by using special floss threaders — your orthodontist can provide you with plenty.
#3: Watch what you eat
It’s no surprise that hard and sticky foods can damage your braces. Keep candy consumption to a minimum, and take care when you’re eating nutritious but crunchy or hard foods like nuts. Cutting up apples instead of biting into them and other slight modifications will allow you to continue to eat healthily throughout your orthodontic treatment.
#4: Visit your orthodontist as recommended
Don’t slack off on your regular visits to the orthodontist while you’re wearing braces. Dr. Mackie will need to monitor your treatment to make sure things are coming along as they should, and to make regular adjustments to keep your teeth gradually moving into the proper alignment. You should visit the orthodontist approximately every four to six weeks while you’re wearing braces.
Do you have remaining questions regarding your treatment with traditional orthodontics from Dr. Mackie? If so, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office. We’re here to help you throughout every step of your orthodontic treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment with the family dentist in Boerne TX today!