Let’s face it, while an ideal smile is made possible by metal braces, not everyone is open to accepting them! We often forget that while these braces assist us in straightening our teeth and maintaining their beauty, they require maintenance too. 

Besides, one of the most crucial aspects of wearing braces is avoiding breaking them. So, in this article, we’ve curated tips for professionals at the Taylor Dental Center around maintaining your dental braces. Let’s get started!

Tips To Make The Most Of Your Braces

  1. Reconsider Your Diet

A healthy diet is necessary for your body, especially if you have metal braces. You can consult professionals at Taylor Dental about the foods you should avoid after your braces are in place. In addition, you can prevent actual risks to your metal braces by avoiding certain foods.

We have given some of the foods that you can and cannot eat while wearing Texas braces:

Food items you can eat wearing braces:

  • Oatmeal
  • Eggs
  • Bananas
  • Soups
  • Pasta and other grains
  • Cooked and raw vegetables

Food items to avoid:

  • Chips and crunchy snacks
  • Popcorn
  • Tough meats
  • Sticky candy
  • Whole fruits
  • Sugary foods

Once you avoid these food items, you’ll be in a better position to maintain your braces and overall health.

  1. Brushing Alone Is Not Enough

While doctors generally advise you to brush your teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—it is important to remember that with metal braces, care goes beyond simply brushing your teeth. 

When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, flossing is a vital step that must be done at least once daily. In addition, you can avoid tooth decay, poor breath, and cavities by flossing while wearing braces.

If you’re committed to maintaining good oral health, you should try to floss after every meal or at least after most meals to care for braces and teeth to clear off any lingering food particles.

  1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

You may need to visit the dentist regularly for changes to your braces. Following a routine adjustment, you may experience tightness or minor discomfort. If the irritation or pain worsens, you should see your dentist.

Moreover, you should discuss with your dentist right away if you have any questions or concerns regarding your appliances, including any issues with broken pieces.

  1. Pick Your Products Carefully

While researching, you should also consider your skin care and oral hygiene needs. It is essential to carefully consider your dental hygiene and choose which ones suit you the best. 

Seeing your dentist is the most practical and suitable way to do this. They are the best source of knowledge about the appropriate toothpaste, mouthwash for braces, and floss to avoid problems like cavities, tooth decay, or gum disorders.

  1. Use An Oral Irrigator To Clean Your Teeth And Braces

When cleaning plaque and food fragments lodged between your teeth and metal braces, an oral irrigator is your best bet. So the best thing you can do to keep your dental hygiene under control while wearing braces is to get an oral irrigator. 

It can simply remove the plaque, germs, and healthy particles lodged between our teeth and your aligners while avoiding damage to your braces or gums. This equipment uses a wand that shoots water from its tank under gentle pressure. 

Using this tool to clean your teeth is a very gentle and intelligent approach while avoiding any problems with your oral health brought on by leftover particles.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes, the issues are less about what needs to be done and more about what needs to be avoided post orthodontic treatment. However, when it comes to caring for metal braces, several issues must be noted. First, rejecting foods like nuts, chewing gum, popcorn, sticky sweets, corn chips, rough meat, raw vegetables, etc., is essential. 

Aside from this, it is essential to clean and floss your teeth carefully when wearing Texas braces. One of the most important things is that you shouldn’t engage in mouth sports or tasks like opening seals and bottle tops with your teeth. All the best!

Time To Revamp Your Smile!

Is something coming in the way of your perfect smile? Relax, we have good news for you! Our Taylor Dental & Braces professionals are here to give you an ideal smile. Call our Taylor, TX, office at 512-352-5577 to make an appointment for your dental exam and cleaning.