Maintaining Oral Health with Braces

Getting braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. However, maintaining oral health during orthodontic treatment requires a bit more effort and care. Dr Berera, a leading orthodontist in Leichhardt, shares essential tips and practices to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy while you’re wearing braces.

1. Brushing with Braces

Brushing your teeth becomes even more crucial when you have braces. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Follow these steps for effective brushing:

• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your braces and to gently clean around the brackets and wires.

• Brush After Every Meal: Try to brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that might be stuck in your braces.

• Angle Your Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including around the brackets.

• Don’t Forget Your Gums: Brush along the gum line to keep your gums healthy.

2. Flossing with Braces

Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it’s essential for removing plaque and food particles between your teeth. Here’s how to floss effectively with braces:

• Use a Floss Threader: A floss threader can help you guide the floss under the archwire of your braces, making it easier to reach between your teeth.

• Consider Interdental Brushes: These small, brush-like tools can fit between the wires and teeth to remove debris.

• Be Gentle: Avoid snapping the floss into your gums, and gently guide it up and down along the sides of each tooth.

3. Avoid Certain Foods

Certain foods can damage your braces or increase the risk of cavities. It’s best to avoid:

• Sticky Foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and other sticky substances can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean out.

• Hard Foods: Nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can break your brackets or wires.

• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Limit your intake of sugary snacks and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay.

4. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are vital for maintaining oral health with braces. Schedule routine visits with your dentist and orthodontist to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and to make any necessary adjustments to your braces.

5. Using Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Consider using a fluoride mouth rinse daily to give your teeth extra protection, and ensure your toothpaste contains fluoride.

6. Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax can be a lifesaver if your braces cause irritation to your cheeks, lips, or gums. Apply a small amount of wax over the brackets or wires causing discomfort to create a smooth surface.

7. Wear a Mouthguard

If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your braces and teeth from injury. Dr Berera can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard that fits comfortably over your braces.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth cleaner. Avoid sugary and acidic drinks that can contribute to enamel erosion and cavities.

9. Dealing with Emergencies

Occasionally, you may experience issues like a loose bracket or poking wire. In such cases, contact Dr Berera’s office for advice on how to manage the problem until you can come in for a repair.

Why Choose Dr Berera in Leichhardt?

Dr Berera is committed to providing excellent orthodontic care while ensuring your oral health is maintained throughout your treatment. With personalised care plans and a focus on patient education, Dr Berera helps her patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces might seem daunting, but with the right practices and regular professional care, it’s entirely manageable. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Dr Berera’s office in Leichhardt. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.