Dental Care for Braces

For many adolescents, wearing braces is part of growing up.  However, it's also because of their age, that anybody who wears braces must be especially educated about the right ways to clean their teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Children of this age are more prone to be careless about the food they eat, including snacking regularly, eating high sugar or high carb foods, and other improper dental hygiene practices.  Dental hygiene becomes even more imperative during this period, because of the increased risks of decay and other oral health problems.

The biggest culprit that causes tooth decay is plaque. When teeth are not rinsed properly after every meal, and not brushed at least twice a day, the leftover food debris and particles attract bacteria in the mouth.  These bacteria feast on the food particles, causing a production of acid. Over time, these bacteria form a film of colorless layer on the teeth, especially near the gums. This film is called plaque, and it's connected to some of the most pressing dental problems, like dental delay and gingivitis. Bad breath can quickly develop, and the teeth can get stained or become dark yellow in color, ruining their appearance.  There's not much point in having a mouth full of perfectly straight and aligned teeth, if those teeth are yellow and ugly.

There are a number of products available in the market that make taking care of teeth fitted with braces, easy and hassle free.   These are just some of the dental aids that can help you fight decay-causing plaque.

Toothbrushes
Use a nylon bristled-tooth brush that has a flexible head.  The head helps you reach hard-to-access corners of the mouth, like the chewing surfaces and corners of the back molars.  Carry a travel-sized toothbrush with you at all times, so you can quickly brush your teeth when you're out at lunch.  If you can't carry a toothbrush with you at all times, remember to rinse your mouth well after every meal, so you can wash away large particles of food.  Electric toothbrushes work as good as regular toothbrushes, but take care not to turn on the speed too high. The brushing technique is just as important as the toothbrush in keeping teeth plaque free.

Floss
Use floss to clean in between the teeth, and remove plaque from these often-neglected areas.  Take care to floss beneath the gum lines, as well as around the   brackets.  Use a reusable floss threader that helps you access the spaces between the arch wires to clean thoroughly. If you find flossing a chore, use pre cut floss.

Diet
Avoid foods that are sticky like caramel and pretzels, as well as sugary foods and sodas. Soft foods are better for teeth with braces. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables like carrots, especially just before you go to bed, because these act as natural mouth cleansers.

Keeping your teeth healthy can add that much-needed polish that your newly straightened smile will need when the braces come off.