Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
Braces are an excellent investment in a healthier, straighter smile, but proper care is essential to ensure the best results. Maintaining your braces with good hygiene, smart food choices, and consistent oral care will help prevent discomfort and complications during your orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve just started your journey or are well into it, these expert tips will keep your braces clean and comfortable.
1. Prioritize Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces. Food particles can easily get stuck between brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup and potential cavities. Here’s how to keep your teeth and braces clean:
- Brush After Every Meal – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around brackets and wires. Brush at a 45-degree angle to reach all areas effectively.
- Use an Interdental Brush – A small interdental brush can help clean between wires and hard-to-reach places.
- Floss Daily – Flossing with braces can be challenging, but orthodontic flossers, threaders or a water flosser make it easier to remove plaque and food debris.
- Use Mouthwash – An antibacterial mouthwash helps prevent gum disease and freshens your breath.
2. Watch What You Eat
Your diet plays a significant role in braces care. Certain foods can damage your braces or make cleaning more difficult. To protect your orthodontic investment, follow these food guidelines:
Foods to Avoid:
- Sticky & Chewy Foods – Caramel, gum, and chewy candies can get stuck in your braces.
- Hard Foods – Nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can break brackets or wires.
- Crunchy Foods – Raw carrots and apples should be cut into small pieces to prevent damage.
- Sugary Foods & Drinks – Excess sugar can lead to plaque buildup and cavities.
Braces-Friendly Foods:
- Soft fruits like bananas and berries
- Dairy products like yogurt and cheese
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Pasta, rice, and soft bread
3. Manage Discomfort
Braces can cause mild discomfort, especially after adjustments. Here are some ways to ease pain and irritation:
- Use Orthodontic Wax – If brackets or wires are irritating your gums, apply orthodontic wax to create a barrier.
- Take Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage soreness after adjustments.
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water – This helps soothe mouth sores and irritation caused by braces.
- Eat Soft Foods – Stick to softer foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups after adjustments. Frozen foods such as smoothies or fruit popsicles can also be soothing after adjustments.
4. Stay Consistent with Orthodontic Appointments
Regular visits to your orthodontist ensure your braces are adjusted properly and any issues are addressed early. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment progress.
5. Protect Your Braces
If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces from impact. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite down on hard objects, as this can damage your braces.
6. Stay Motivated for a Healthy Smile
Braces require effort, but the results are worth it! Follow your orthodontist’s advice, maintain good hygiene, and stick to your braces care routine to achieve the best outcome.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your braces clean, comfortable, and effective throughout your treatment. For expert orthodontic care, consult Stephenson Orthodontics to ensure your smile transformation is smooth and successful!
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
