The main reason why people get braces is because they want their teeth to be healthier and look better. Fortunately, braces are definitely capable of accomplishing these goals.
However, a lot of people have trouble taking care of their teeth while they have braces. There are some aspects of dental hygiene that become almost impossible because of braces.
There are, however, three tips that can be used to ensure your teeth get the care that they need while you have braces. Aside from the mandatory brushing and flossing, braces can require additional care.
Avoid Certain Foods
There are definitely many foods that are hard to avoid. Some types of food are almost irresistible to some people. However, people who have braces should try to eat soft foods.
Fortunately, avoiding acidic foods doesn’t require an entire diet shift, but it does require some additional attention. People with braces should try to avoid foods that have a high acid content.
For example, salad dressings, soft drinks, tomatoes, pickles and certain fruits can eat away enamel. By avoiding these foods, it’s easier to keep teeth healthy while wearing braces.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Braces are notorious for causing plaque and food buildup. The problem is that these two issues cause something called decalcification. Over time, decalcification can cause white spots and cavities.
People who wear braces can avoid these issues if they use fluoride toothpaste. According to the experts at Franklin Dental Centre a fort McMurrray dentist, unlike regular toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste contains an additional amount of fluoride, which is commonly applied by dentists.
The additional fluoride gives teeth extra protection against plaque and food accumulation, which will result in healthier teeth. Since braces are notorious for causing the accumulation of plaque and food, fluoride toothpaste can minimize the damage and increase protection against these issues.
Individual Brushing
Braces are known to make it harder to brush teeth. They cover portions of teeth and make it hard to ensure all teeth get cleaned properly.
A very effective tip for people who have braces involves individual brushing. By taking the time to brush each tooth individually, a person who wears braces can ensure they remove all of the plaque and food buildup from each individual tooth.
Although this tip will require more brushing time, it will greatly reduce the risk of cavities and other problems. Anyone who wears braces can use these three tips to ensure they’re giving their teeth proper care.