If you have braces, then you’re already well on your way to getting the beautiful smile you deserve. To keep your teeth healthy and strong throughout your orthodontic treatment, it’s important to take extra care for your braces and teeth during this time.
It takes time and effort to clean and maintain your braces while at school, but choosing not to clean them after eating could leave you susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, the right tools make caring at school simple!
Care For Your Braces by Keeping Them Clean
When you don’t keep them clean, bacteria can begin to grow, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. The last thing you want is to get them off, only to find out that you’ve got gum disease and teeth full of decay.
Essentials for Keeping Them Clean
Keeping them clean plays an essential part in the care of your braces. Although you probably already know the importance of avoiding sugary foods and drinks, you may not realize how important a supply kit can be for the care of your braces and teeth on the go. Here is a list of must-have items you should keep with you at all times. At Jones Family Orthodontics, we provide many of these items when you begin treatment and can provide more upon request.
- Toothbrush — Brush your teeth after eating or drinking sugary drinks
- Interproximal brushes — Helpful to reach small places your brush cannot.
- Toothpaste — Keep a travel-size tube with you for easy storage.
- Orthodontic flossers — Remove all the food that may be hiding in between your teeth.
- Dental wax — Use wax to easily cover a pokey wire or loose bracket until your next appointment.
- Water — Be sure to carry a water bottle so you can rinse your mouth after eating or drinking sugary drinks if you cannot brush right away.
More Tips to Care For Your Braces Properly
Although your typical day likely consists of a busy schedule of classes and extracurricular activities, there are ways in which you can take care of your braces regardless of the day’s activities.
- Allow yourself time after lunch to go to the bathroom to brush and floss.
- Avoid sugary drinks and sticky foods.
- Keep your orthodontic tool kit stocked and available.
If you wear braces, your primary goal is to get beautiful, straight teeth. However, if you don’t take proper care of your braces during the process, you may end up with cavities or gum disease. Fortunately, when you take the time to care for your braces and teeth, avoid sugary foods and beverages and drink water throughout the day, you can keep your teeth healthy and clean throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Care For Your Braces and Make Time for Quick Breaks
With a busy school schedule, finding time to care for your braces can seem challenging. However, even just a few minutes after lunch to step aside and brush your teeth can make a huge difference. Don’t feel pressured to make it a long process—just quickly brushing and flossing can help keep your braces in top condition and ensure your teeth stay healthy throughout the day.
Use a Travel-Friendly Orthodontic Kit
Having an orthodontic care kit with you at school is a great way to stay on top of your dental hygiene, even when you’re on the go. Consider packing a small bag with all the essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, orthodontic wax, and a mirror. This way, no matter where you are on campus, you’ll always have the tools needed to freshen up and protect your braces.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Snacks
Certain foods can damage your braces and disrupt your treatment progress. Hard foods like nuts or hard candies, and sticky treats like caramel or taffy, can bend or break your wires and brackets. Avoid these foods during school hours, and choose softer, braces-friendly alternatives like bananas, applesauce, or smoothies. If you need a quick snack, opt for something that won’t harm your braces and helps maintain your dental health.
Carry a Water Bottle
Keeping a water bottle with you at school is essential. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and it helps keep your mouth clean between brushing. Drinking water throughout the day also helps prevent dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable when wearing braces. It’s an easy habit to form, and staying hydrated benefits both your braces and overall oral health.
Keep Your Braces Clean After Every Meal
It might be tempting to skip cleaning your braces when you’re busy, but cleaning your teeth and braces after each meal is a crucial part of maintaining your dental health. Food particles can get stuck in your braces, leading to plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease. Take a few extra minutes during your lunch break or after a snack to brush and floss, ensuring your braces are clean and your smile stays healthy.
Stay Positive About Your Progress
While orthodontic care for your braces requires extra effort, remember that each step you take is one step closer to your dream smile. Track your progress and celebrate small victories, like consistent brushing or a successful orthodontic appointment. Staying motivated throughout your treatment makes the process easier, and the results will be worth it when you have a healthy, beautiful smile at the end of your treatment.
Talk to our orthodontic team at Jones Family Orthodontics if you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment. We will give you all of our favorite tips and tricks to making life with braces easy and enjoyable!
