Oral care is necessary while wearing braces because it helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Braces can trap food particles and plaque, leading to tooth decay and other problems. Brushing & flossing regularly can help to prevent these issues. Additionally, you must visit your dentist regularly for cleanings & checkups to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy while wearing braces.

Preventing the buildup of plaque and bacteria is essential to your oral health. Here are ten healthy habits to keep your braces clean and sweet-smelling!

• Brushing

Brush your teeth regularly with braces, as these areas are more vulnerable to plaque buildup because of the metal brackets. Brushing with a soft bristle electric toothbrush or power toothbrush will help keep these areas hygienic and clean.

• Flossing

Braces are great for keeping teeth clean and healthy, but you need to learn how to use them properly while they are on your teeth. Floss and interdental brushes are the best way to keep your post-treatment smile as healthy as possible.

• Avoid hard and sticky foods. 

You may have heard that you must avoid hard and sticky foods when you have braces. Each case is different, but for the most part, it’s safe to eat most types of soft foods, like bread, yogurt, and applesauce. However, avoid eating anything with nuts, peanut butter, or crunchy foods like carrots or celery until your braces come off.

• Avoid chewing on complex objects.

Don’t chew on anything but your food when you have braces. Chewing gum, candy, and toothpicks can damage your braces and lead to infections.

• Use an interdental brush.

Braces can trap food and bacteria between the wires and make cleaning difficult. Use a water flosser / an interdental brush to clean your braces, being sure not to force anything between the cables.

• Mouthguard

When you’re playing sports, it’s essential to protect your smile. If your braces are exposed, they could be damaged by a ball or other object. We recommend wearing a mouthguard when playing sports to minimize the risk of injury.

• Avoid Sugary Food/Beverages

When you have braces, your teeth are at risk of decay. To keep them healthy, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Drinking hot beverages between meals can also leave your mouth dry, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Visit your orthodontist regularly.

Braces are designed to get you the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted. But you must visit your orthodontist regularly for checkups and adjustments to ensure the best results possible.

• Wear your rubber bands. 

Braces aren’t just for teenagers anymore. Many adults have worn braces to improve their smiles. Because your bite is crucial to maintaining healthy teeth, you may need to wear rubber bands to prevent your teeth’ misalignment while wearing braces.

• Wear Retainers

A retainer is a small appliance you wear to protect braces. It fits over your teeth and helps hold them in place while they adjust and straighten. You’ll be given a retainer when your braces are removed and may need one for several months.