Wearing braces in NE Calgary is one of the best steps you can take when it comes to your oral health. This treatment will help you fix any issues you may have with your bite and correct the alignment of your teeth. After achieving this, it will be easier to brush and floss your teeth and over time this will result in a lower risk of cavities and gum disease. Not to mention, this treatment will leave you with a straight, uniform and beautiful smile. In this article, you will find a couple of tips on how to take care of your braces to ensure the success of this treatment.
Brush your teeth regularly
While you have braces, your oral hygiene will be more important than ever. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day but ideally, you should be brushing after every meal. Once you acquire braces near you, food will become easily lodged in your teeth and if it isn’t removed it can cause plaque buildup and dental cavities. Brush your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes, and make sure you also brush down, below the wires. If your dentist has instructed you to use any removable accessories such as rubber bands, you should remove them before brushing your teeth.
Don’t forget to floss
Flossing is just as necessary as brushing your teeth, and you should do it at least once a day. This allows you to remove all the plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. At first, it can be a bit challenging to floss your teeth while wearing braces, but after some time you will get used to it. If you are having trouble flossing correctly, an orthodontist in NE Calgary can help you improve your technique.
Use a mouthwash
It is a good idea to start using mouthwash after receiving braces. This can help you eliminate plaque and fight bacteria to prevent gum disease and dental cavities. It is best to go for a mouthwash that contains fluoride which helps remineralize the outer layer of your teeth. Ask your dentist about what mouthwash they feel will work best for you.
Go to all your appointments
Obtaining braces involves more than just one visit to a dental clinic near you. You will be required to return for routine checkups where your orthodontist will monitor your progress and tighten your wires to continue the aligning process. You mustn’t miss any of these appointments since this will ensure you achieve the best results possible in the least amount of time. Skipping your appointments will compromise your results and extend the duration of your treatment.
Watch what you eat
There are a couple of foods that you should avoid when you wear braces to keep them from becoming damaged. Dentists always recommend avoiding hard foods, such as nuts, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and crusty bread. Popcorn can also cause some trouble since its little particles can become lodged in your braces or your archwires. On the other hand, gum can become stuck to your braces and will be challenging to remove. Finally, it is best to stay clear of sweets since the sugars can adhere to the surface of the braces leading to a buildup of plaque.
If anything happens, call your dental clinic in NE Calgary
Many things can happen while undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially when it comes to children and teenagers. For example, it is fairly common to see patients who have lost a bracket while eating rough or abrasive foods. Although this might seem scary, your dentist can easily resolve this issue once you are in their chair! If you experience any issues with your braces, be sure to contact your dental clinic and schedule an appointment.