If you’ve got braces, you’re probably focused on achieving that perfect smile. While braces do a great job of aligning your teeth, they can also make it easier for food and plaque to hide in hard-to-reach places. The good news? With the right habits, you can prevent cavities and keep your smile healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
Why Braces Can Make Teeth Harder to Keep Clean
1. Extra Nooks and Crannies Brackets and wires create new spots for food particles to cling to. Without proper cleaning, plaque can build up and increase the chance of cavities.
2. More Challenging to Brush and Floss Braces require more time and technique when brushing and flossing. If plaque isn’t removed daily, it can lead to tooth decay or white spots on the enamel.
How to Keep Your Smile Cavity-Free with Braces
1. Stay Consistent with Oral Hygiene
Brush often: Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the areas around your brackets and wires.
Floss daily: Use floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser to reach between teeth and under wires.
2. Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse A fluoride rinse helps strengthen enamel and washes away lingering plaque and food particles your toothbrush might miss.
3. Make Smart Food Choices
Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Sodas, sports drinks, and candy can accelerate plaque buildup.
Avoid sticky or hard foods: Caramel, gum, and hard candies can damage braces and make teeth harder to clean.
4. Keep Up with Dental Visits
See your dentist regularly: Professional cleanings every six months help remove buildup and catch problems early.
Visit your orthodontist: Routine orthodontic appointments ensure your braces are working effectively and comfortably.
Your Healthy Smile is Worth It
Braces are a big step toward the confident, healthy smile you’ve been waiting for. By taking care of your teeth along the way, you’ll ensure your results are not only straight—but strong and cavity-free, too!
For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.
As the summer sun shines brightly, it’s the perfect time to enjoy delicious and refreshing foods. If you’re sporting braces, it’s important to choose your summer snacks wisely to keep your treatment on track and avoid any mishaps. Let’s explore some braces-friendly foods that you can indulge in this season, and highlight a few you might want to steer clear of.
Braces-Friendly Foods to Enjoy
Fresh Fruits (Cut into Small Pieces)
Examples: Apples (sliced thinly), berries, melons.
Why They’re Good: Fresh fruits are packed with vitamins and are generally soft on your braces if cut into small, manageable pieces. They also make for refreshing snacks that help keep you hydrated in the summer heat.
Yogurt
Why It’s Great: Yogurt is soft and smooth, making it an excellent choice for anyone with braces. It’s also a good source of calcium and probiotics, which are beneficial for oral health.
Soft Cooked Vegetables
Examples: Carrots (steamed), corn (cut off the cob), spinach.
Why They’re Good: Cooked vegetables are much easier on your braces compared to raw ones. They’re nutritious and versatile, and can be seasoned to taste.
Pasta and Noodles
Why They’re Great: Pasta and noodles are soft and won’t damage your braces. Opt for whole-grain varieties or those with less sauce to keep things healthy.
Ice Cream and Smoothies
Why They’re a Treat: Ice cream and smoothies can be enjoyed without discomfort. Just avoid anything with nuts or hard candy pieces that might get stuck in your braces.
Mashed Potatoes
Why They’re Ideal: Mashed potatoes are soft and easy to eat, making them a great comfort food for braces wearers. They’re also filling and versatile.
Soft Cheese
Examples: Cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta.
Why It’s Good: Soft cheeses are gentle on braces and can be a tasty addition to sandwiches or crackers. They also offer a nice protein boost.
Soft Bread and Tortillas
Why They’re Great: Soft bread and tortillas are easy to chew and less likely to cause damage to your braces compared to crusty bread.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Hard and Crunchy Snacks
Examples: Nuts, popcorn, hard pretzels.
Why to Avoid: Hard and crunchy snacks can damage your braces or break a bracket. They’re also more challenging to clean from between your teeth. Popcorn kernels can lodge between bands and brackets causing gum infection.
Sticky Foods
Examples: Caramel, taffy, chewing gum.
Why to Avoid: Sticky foods can get stuck in your braces, slide wires around, and become difficult to remove. This increases the risk of plaque buildup and potential damage.
Hard Fruits and Vegetables (Raw, uncut)
Examples: Apples, raw carrots.
Why to Avoid: You can have these foods if you slice them thin! Cut hard fruits and vegetables into bite-friendly pieces- otherwise, they can be tough on your braces and may cause discomfort or damage.
Why to Avoid: High sugar content can lead to plaque buildup and cavities, which can be problematic for anyone with braces.
With the right choices, you can enjoy a delicious summer without compromising your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions or need personalized advice on managing your braces, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help make your orthodontic journey as smooth as possible!
For more information about orthodontic services or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.
Below are some common challenges you might face while wearing braces. From food getting stuck to managing discomfort, here’s your go-to guide for navigating those tricky braces moments with ease.
Dealing with Food That Gets Stuck
Brush and Floss Regularly: After eating, make sure to brush thoroughly. An interdental brush or floss threader is the best tool for getting food out from between brackets.
Rinse with Water: If you can't brush right away, a quick rinse with water can help dislodge particles.
Avoid Sticky Foods: Steer clear of chewy or sticky snacks like caramel or taffy that can get stuck and are hard to clean.
Invest in Supplies: If you are struggling to floss regularly, a water flosser can be a great tool to add to your routine.
Managing Soreness and Discomfort
Use Orthodontic Wax: Applying wax to your brackets can soothe irritation and protect your mouth.
Opt for Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes if you’re experiencing discomfort.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and Tylenol can help with soreness. Follow the dosing instructions on the box.
Broken Brackets or Wires
Contact Us: If a bracket or wire breaks, let us know ASAP. We’ll schedule a repair to keep your treatment on track.
Temporary Fixes: In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help cover any sharp edges and reduce irritation until your appointment with us.
Handling Discoloration and Stains
Brush After Every Meal: Keeping up with brushing helps prevent stains and plaque buildup.
Avoid Staining Foods: Limit intake of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee and tea.
Professional Cleanings: Regular dental cleanings can help keep your smile bright and healthy.
Keeping Your Braces Clean
A soft-bristled toothbrush helps avoid damage to your brackets while ensuring a thorough clean.
An electric toothbrush can enhance oral hygiene for individuals with braces by more effectively removing plaque and food particles around brackets and wires due to its rotating or oscillating bristle action.
Use a floss threader to get between teeth and around wires.
With these tips, you'll tackle any braces-related issues like a pro. For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.
If you're using Invisalign aligners or traditional braces, you might be wondering how swimming fits into your orthodontic routine. Let’s dive into what you need to know to keep your smile healthy and your braces or aligners in excellent condition.
Swimming with Invisalign
Remove Your Aligners: Before you take the plunge, make sure to remove your Invisalign aligners. Chlorine and salt water can degrade the plastic, so it’s best to avoid putting them at risk.
Store Them Safely: Keep your aligners in their case while you swim. This way, you won’t risk losing or damaging them.
Oral Hygiene: After swimming, rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of any chlorine or salt. Clean your aligners before putting them back in.
Swimming with Braces
No Need to Remove: Good news—braces stay on! You don’t need to worry about removing them while swimming. They’re designed to handle daily activities, including a swim.
Watch for Discomfort: Some patients might feel minor discomfort due to chlorine. If this happens, it’s usually temporary. If pain is persistent call our office immediately.
Oral Hygiene: Rinse your mouth with water after swimming to help remove any chlorine residue. Stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine to keep your braces clean.
If you have damage to your Invisalign or braces, do not hesitate to get an appointment. For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.
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