Standard recommendation for oral care is that one should brush their teeth at least twice a day. When you have braces on, you need to brush after every single meal. This means that even after you have a snack from the vending machine or if you get the munchies late at night. It is important for you to do this because with braces on, food particles have very many places in which to get trapped. If they remain in those places, you run a much higher risk of developing problems with your teeth. When brushing, be sure to use a soft brush preferably one with bristles that are round. An electric brush also does a good job if you have braces.
Flossing is also important. You need to make sure that you floss at the very least one time per day. Pass the floss beneath the wires and between your braces. To make the process easier, it is recommended that you purchase an orthodontic flosser or a floss threader, both of which can be found at a local drug store. Using waxed floss makes it easier because it doesn’t snag on the braces as easily as unwaxed floss does.
People with spaced teeth will find that an inter-proximal brush, also known as an interdental brush works even better than floss. If you ask for more orthodontics tips, you will also get to hear about the oral irrigator that is used to stream pulsating water over the teeth, thus removing food debris and plaque. Once you are done cleaning your teeth, be sure to use a good mouthwash to kill lingering bacteria that could have been missed when flossing and brushing.
Once you have braces on, you will need to be a lot more aware of the foods that you eat. Plaque can form around the brackets if you eat a lot of starchy or sugary foods. This can lead to stained teeth and cavities, which in turn can lead to the creation of gum disease.
Foods to avoid include chewy and sticky foods like dried fruits, chewing gum, taffy, caramel, and even corn on the cob. These have a tendency to get stuck in the braces and are very difficult to remove. Hard foods such as beef jerky, popcorn, nuts, carrots, raw apples, and ice should also be avoided. These can break your brace wires and even cause your braces to come loose. If you want to eat foods that are crunchy, be sure to first cut them so that they are in pieces that you can eat in one bite.