Wearing dental braces can be an exciting time for some, but it comes with responsibilities. If you don’t take care of your braces properly, you could end up with serious oral health problems down the road. That’s why it’s essential for anyone wearing braces to understand the dos and don’ts of proper brace care.
Today, we’re going to look at all the things you should avoid doing when wearing dental braces. So here are eight orthodontic don’ts you should remember:
Contents
Don’t Eat Hard Foods
You want to steer clear of any hard or crunchy food, like popcorn, chips, and nuts. While these are all delicious treats, they can damage the metal wires on your braces and cause pain. If you’re craving something crunchy, try pre-cut apples or carrots instead.
Hard foods can also damage your braces and cause alignment problems. According to an orthodontist, use extra caution if you eat something hard. Pay attention to where your braces are, and chew carefully.
Don’t Ignore Discomfort
If you feel pain when wearing your braces, tell your orthodontist as soon as possible. Your orthodontist will be able to adjust your braces and relieve the discomfort. And if you’re experiencing frequent pain, they may suggest a softer band or wire to reduce irritation.
Ignoring discomfort can cause damage to your braces and lead to more serious dental health problems in the future. So, tell your orthodontist about any discomfort or pain you’re feeling.
A good orthodontist can help you find the best solution for your needs. Just make sure to find the right one for you! With over 88,000 orthodontists in the USA and 552 in Australia, you can find one whether you want to get your dental braces in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Washington, Baltimore, or Los Angeles.
Don’t Neglect Your Oral Hygiene
You must brush and floss twice a day when wearing dental braces. This will help remove food particles and plaque from the areas around your braces, which can be challenging to reach. You should also use a special orthodontic brush for an even better clean.
If you neglect your oral hygiene, bacteria, and food particles will build up between your teeth and brackets, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. So remember to brush and floss regularly!
Don’t Drink Sugary Beverages
Sugary drinks like soda and juice are bad for your dental health, but they can be especially damaging when you have braces. The sugar in these drinks can cause plaque and bacteria around your brackets, leading to cavities and gum disease.
Research from the American Dental Association shows that sugary beverages are one of the main contributors to tooth decay in people wearing braces. To keep your teeth healthy, stick to water or sugar-free drinks instead.
Don’t Chew on Things
Chewing on pens, pencils, and other objects can damage your braces. Chewing can cause wires to come loose or break off, extending the length of your treatment. So be sure to avoid chewing on anything that isn’t food!
If you are craving something crunchy, choose healthy snacks like pre-cut apples or carrots. It will satisfy your craving without damaging your braces. And it might even be better for your overall health.
Don’t Overuse Whitening Products
Using whitening products while wearing dental braces can be tricky. Some whitening products may contain chemicals that can damage the wires and brackets on your braces. So it’s best to avoid these products altogether.
Talk to your orthodontist about safe alternatives if you still want to whiten your teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to recommend the best product for your braces. And if you still need to figure it out, ask your orthodontist to show you how to use the product safely.
Don’t Try to Tighten Your Braces Yourself
Never try to adjust or tighten your braces yourself! It is a job best left to your orthodontist. Adjusting your braces can cause them to come loose or break, so you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to fix them.
Your orthodontist is the only one who knows precisely how tight your braces should be, so leave any adjustments up to them.
Don’t Skip Your Orthodontic Appointments
You should never skip your orthodontic appointments. During each appointment, your orthodontist will check your teeth‘ alignment and ensure everything goes according to plan. They will do it during that visit if any adjustments need to be made.
Missing appointments can lead to severe problems with your braces. So it’s essential to keep track of your appointments and ensure you get all of them!
Final Thoughts
Following the tips above and attending your orthodontic appointments, you can ensure that your braces stay healthy and give you a perfect smile you’ve always wanted. With proper care and maintenance, your braces will be removed in no time. So take care of your braces, and you’ll be able to show off your beautiful smile in no time!
