Do you have metal braces? If so, you’ve probably wondered how to best take care of them. Not only are metal braces highly visible, but their construction makes them especially prone to staining and other kinds of damage that can affect your appearance and how you feel about them. Thankfully, it’s easy to take good care of your metal braces if you follow the advice from an orthodontist in Miami, who has plenty of experience with how to keep these braces as attractive as possible even during the challenging period of having them on your teeth.
Floss With The Right Technique
Studies have found that many people are not flossing correctly, meaning they are missing out on the full benefits of daily oral hygiene. The way you hold and use your floss is key to removing plaque and food particles. A good tip is to wind the floss around one hand, then wrap it around the other hand to create a C shape with your fingers. Now take that C shape and push it gently into each space between your teeth. Move the floss up and down, back and forth until you feel like there’s no more room left in there – or until you can’t reach any food or plaque stuck between your teeth!
Brush With The Right Technique
The most important thing to remember when brushing with braces is that you are brushing towards the teeth and not away. This allows the toothbrush bristles to clean between the brackets on your teeth. It is also important to brush daily, but if you forget one day, it’s no big deal. Remember that you are not just cleaning your teeth with braces–you are removing plaque and food particles that can cause cavities and gum disease. Brush your braces three times a day: right after breakfast, before lunch, and after dinner or right before bedtime. After brushing, be sure to rinse out any remaining toothpaste so it doesn’t dry on your brackets and cause irritation.
Learn About Good Habits For Braces
Brushing. One of the best things you can do to care for your braces is to brush them daily. This will help remove plaque and food particles that may have accumulated over the day and prevent tooth decay or gum disease. Flossing. It’s equally important to floss your teeth every day, as plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay or gum disease if not removed regularly. Oil Pulling. Another good habit is to swish some oil, like coconut oil, around in your mouth each day after you brush and floss to help maintain healthy gums and eliminate bacteria that can lead to cavities or sore throats. Mouthwash.
Change Your Tongue Blade Regularly
It’s important to change your tongue blade regularly because blades are dull with use and bacteria can grow on them. You’ll need a replacement blade once every two weeks. Follow these tips to make sure you get the most out of your new tongue blade:
-Clean your teeth before you put the blade on.
-Do not chew gum or eat food with the blade on, as this can cause it to loosen and fall off.
-Pressure should be released periodically by loosening the strap and letting it snap back into place. -Make sure that there is always one hand holding the tongue blade during wear so that it does not fall out or move around too much.
Remove Any Stains Immediately
Many people want to know how to keep metal braces looking great. Make sure you brush your teeth and rinse with water after eating or drinking. Avoid any foods that are sticky, messy, or hard to clean off. If you have white marks on your braces (called plaque), try brushing them off with a toothbrush after every meal, and be sure to floss daily. To remove stains, use a toothbrush with whitening toothpaste that contains baking soda or peroxide, then rinse with water. You can also ask your orthodontist about professional cleaning by an orthodontic hygienist who specializes in cleaning appliances like braces.
See Your Dentist Regularly
The most important thing to remember when it comes to your metal braces is that you should see your dentist regularly. You will need professional cleaning and adjustments every two weeks, and you should also receive regular fluoride treatments. You will also want to make sure that you brush after every meal, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. To help prevent stains on the braces themselves, use a dental rinse before brushing.
Take Good Care Of Them At Home
-Brush at least twice a day, but preferably three times. -Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. -Use dental floss to clean between teeth.
-Floss at least once a day, but preferably two or three times per day. -Wipe the front surfaces of your teeth with dental wipes after meals to clean off food particles and kill bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Be Mindful Of What You Put In Your Mouth
It’s important to be mindful of what you put in your mouth with braces. Avoid sticky, chewy, and very hard foods. The brackets can wear down faster if you don’t take care of them or if you grind your teeth. You should also avoid using straws and sipping through a straw because it creates too much suction on the brackets. If you have a question about what is safe to eat, ask your orthodontist before trying it!
Know If Something Is Wrong
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your orthodontist immediately. If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in your teeth or gums, if the brackets are loose, if they break easily or have shifted out of place and can’t be corrected with adjustment, it’s time to come in.
