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If you wear braces, it's important you take extra care to help protect your teeth. You should also take precautionary steps to avoid any potential damage to your braces, such as sticky or chewy sweets, hard or crunchy foods, biting your lip and pushing your tongue against your teeth. 

Brushing

Although it is recommended that you brush twice a day, when you wear braces, it is advised that you brush after every time you eat - even after light snacks. This is because food debris can easily become lodged in the braces and the longer that debris remains trapped, the greater risk you have of developing dental issues. When brushing your teeth, use a soft toothbrush with round bristles or even better, purchase an electric toothbrush if possible.

While brushing, start by rinsing your mouth with water as this can help loosen any food debris stuck in or around your braces. It's important that you brush each tooth at the gum line as well as above and below the brackets. First brush your gum line by holding the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle. Next, clean the brackets by brushing at a downward angle on top of the brackets and brushing at an upward angle at the bottom of the brackets. Be sure to rinse after brushing. 

Other Cleaning Methods

Floss at least once a day and be sure to not floss only between the braces but also under the wires as well. To floss more easily under the wires, why not use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser. If you have space between your teeth, you may find an interdental brush will work easier than flossing. Finally, also remember to rinse with a mouthwash to kill any bacteria missed by brushing or flossing.

Watch What You Eat

While wearing braces, you need to be aware of what you can eat. Eating too many sugary foods can cause plaque to build up over time and around the brackets, leading to staining, cavities or even gum disease. Try to avoid sticky or chewy foods such as chewing gum, caramel, corn on the cob and dried fruits as they can all become stuck and may be difficult to remove from braces. 

Foods such as nuts, popcorn and even healthy treats like raw apples and carrots should be avoided as their hard textures can loosen or damage the wires. If you do fancy a crunchy snack, why not cut them into small, bite-sized portions. 

Of course, if you opt for Invisalign, you can remove your braces and eat what you like, when you like - just be sure to follow up with a healthy and regular oral care regime. 

Considering Braces?

Gappy or crooked teeth put you at a higher risk of suffering tooth loss due to the increased pressure place on the jaw. By having orthodontic treatment, your teeth are far more likely to last a lifetime when properly maintained and make for a much healthier mouth.

Problems with teeth can be inherited or caused by factors such as:

• Crowded or gappy teeth
• Irregular position of teeth
• Extra or missing teeth
• Thumb sucking
• Dental disease such as decay or gum disease
• Premature loss of baby teeth
• Accidents or trauma