How to Care for Braces in Apollo Beach, FL
Your braces are expensive orthodontic appliances that are carefully designed to straighten your teeth and correct dental issues as efficiently and safely as possible. It’s important to properly care for your braces in order to maintain their safety and efficacy. South Shore Orthodontics offers personalized care information that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and orthodontic treatment plan. We will make sure that you have the information and guidance needed to properly care for your braces and oral health. Here is our guide to how to care for braces in Apollo Beach, FL.
Daily Oral Care for Braces
There are certain oral hygiene tasks you need to do daily to protect your braces and oral health. While the instructions we give you may vary slightly based on your age, condition, lifestyle, and orthodontic treatment plan, this is a general guide to daily oral care for braces:
- Brush your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a special toothbrush designed for braces.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste or toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
- Make sure you brush for at least two minutes, carefully cleaning above and below the wires.
- Floss daily using a floss threader or other special flossing tool designed for orthodontic appliances.
- Use an alcohol-free, fluoridated mouthwash each day.
- Be gentle to avoid injuring your gums or damaging your braces.
- Follow a healthy diet and avoid eating hard, sticky, and chewy foods.
- Drink plenty of water and limit your intake of soda, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary beverages.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation and injury.
Eating With Braces
If you have traditional metal braces or ceramic braces, we will also give you specific instructions on the diet that you should follow during your orthodontic treatment plan. This diet is designed to protect you from cavities, infections, and other oral health issues that are common during treatment. It will also protect your braces from damage. Here is your guide to eating with braces:
- Choose soft foods like yogurt, ice cream, pasta, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal over hard, sticky, or chewy foods.
- Try to avoid eating foods that are hard to bite or chew, like apples and corn on the cob.
- If you are experiencing tooth or gum sensitivity, do not drink extremely hot or cold beverages.
- Cut your food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
- If something gets stuck between your teeth or in your gums, remove it immediately using a water flosser, dental irrigator, or floss threader.
- Limit your consumption of sugary or caffeinated drinks and alcohol, and make sure you drink enough water each day.
Protecting Your Braces From Damage
Damaged braces can be uncomfortable as well as expensive to fix. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your braces from damage:
- Avoid eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Don’t chew on objects or open packages with your teeth.
- Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine.
- Regularly inspect your braces for signs of damage, missing pieces, or wear and tear.
- Make an appointment with us as soon as you notice signs of a problem with your orthodontic appliance.
- Clean your braces according to our instructions.
- Do not try to bend wires, reattach brackets, or adjust your braces yourself.
- If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to a problem with your braces, call us right away.
Scheduling Regular Orthodontic Care for Braces
Scheduling regular orthodontic care will protect you and your braces. We will give you an outline of your orthodontic treatment plan, including the frequency of your follow-up visits or check-ups. It’s important to attend each one of these appointments as scheduled so that we can monitor the progress of your treatment and look for early warning signs of problems.
Make an Appointment for Dental Health Care for Braces
If you have questions about caring for your braces or other orthodontic appliances like retainers and mouthguards, we’re happy to help. Our friendly, knowledgeable team at South Shore Orthodontics can answer any questions you have and provide recommendations and advice. Call us now or reach out to us online to get answers, or make an appointment now for dental health care for braces in Apollo Beach, FL. We are committed to ensuring you get the personalized care and attention you deserve so that your treatment plan can progress forward without problems.