June 27, 2023
Brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, repeat.
Getting dressed, eating breakfast, heading to work, repeat.
Life sometimes is a case of repetition. Each day threatens to be the same if our little routines have anything to say about it. Nonetheless, they are significant cases of repetition that could have serious repercussions if not followed.
Going back to your teeth, for example. Even though you have less equipment to work with in your mouth because your braces were finally removed, we know oral hygiene post-braces can be just as annoying. However, teeth care after braces is just as important as when you had them — like getting dressed each day, or heading to work, or eating breakfast.
Here are ten dental care tips after braces.
Brush Your Teeth
As we kind of made clear in the introduction, you should try to brush your teeth, and you should brush them at least twice a day. This will help to remove plaque and food debris left behind after eating. It also helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste is best because it helps protect against cavities and tooth decay.
Floss Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth at least once daily is essential for removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can build up in hard-to-reach areas between your teeth. Use a floss threader or water flosser to get into those tricky spots. Water flossers are highly recommended because they help to massage your gums and give you a more thorough clean. In general, though, flossing your teeth after braces helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Mouthwash will help flush out any remaining food particles left behind by brushing and flossing. It also helps reduce cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Look for mouthwashes with fluoride when choosing which one to buy. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular visits to your dentist are an essential part of tooth care following braces. Your dentist will be able to check for any signs of cavities or gum disease and ensure that your teeth are still in good condition post-braces dental care. In addition, you'll want to schedule a check-up and professional teeth cleaning after orthodontics and at least twice yearly for optimal oral health.
Wear a Retainer
After removing your braces, it is vital to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. It helps prevent them from returning to their original position and keeps them looking straight. Your orthodontist will guide you on treatment time, how often you need to wear them, cleaning instructions, and more. Make sure to follow your orthodontist's instructions if you have recently had your braces removed.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health, including oral health. For example, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help remove plaque from your teeth after braces. In addition, eating foods rich in essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Avoid food and drinks that contain a lot of sugar or acid, which can lead to tooth decay. Also, limit snacks throughout the day to minimize damage caused by eating sugary or acidic foods multiple times.
Stop Bad Habits
Bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs can stain your teeth and weaken their enamel. Smoking increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dry mouth, which puts you at greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Limiting or avoiding these activities will help keep your teeth after braces healthy in the long run.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you participate in any kind of contact sport, wearing a mouthguard is very important. A mouthguard helps to protect your teeth and gums from injury while playing sports. It also helps absorb the impact of blows that can occur during physical activities, so it's essential to wear one if you are participating in any type of contact sport.
Use Whitening Products With Caution
Using teeth whitening products after braces is tempting, but talking to your dentist or orthodontist before using them is essential. Some bleaching or whitening products can be too harsh for your teeth, depending on their condition after removing braces. Your dentist or orthodontist can recommend the safest and most effective products for your teeth.
Be mindful of Habits that can Damage Your Teeth
It's essential to be aware of activities that could cause damage to your teeth after braces. That includes chewing on hard objects like pencils or ice, which can chip or crack your teeth. It's best to avoid these activities altogether.
You should also stick with softer foods instead. For example, bread, pasta, and cooked vegetables are easier on your teeth than crunchy foods like raw apples or carrots. However, eating a variety of healthy foods will help keep your teeth strong after removing braces.
Conclusion
Caring for your teeth after braces requires dedication, and it's just as important as when your braces were on. However, with the proper steps, you can have a healthy and beautiful smile you're proud to show off.
Make sure to brush twice daily, floss regularly, rinse with mouthwash, eat a balanced diet, visit the dentist every six months, wear a retainer when needed, and avoid habits that can damage your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene. With these tips in mind, you should be able to achieve a healthier mouth and a more confident smile!
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is the key to having healthy teeth for life. So, are your teeth after braces heading in the right direction? If not, you may need the help of Sharp Orthodontics. We're here to schedule your smile assessment when you're ready.