All About Braces Care
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is more important than ever when you have braces. Brackets and wires create additional spaces for food particles and plaque to accumulate, making proper brushing and flossing essential for a healthy smile. Without good oral care, you may require more frequent dental cleanings and risk developing gum disease or cavities.
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily with floss threaders or orthodontic floss to clean between teeth and under the wires.
Rinse with mouthwash to remove any lingering bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
If you have a history of gum disease, scheduling visits with a periodontist during orthodontic treatment is recommended.b
Eating with Braces: What’s on the Menu?
A common question from patients is, “What can I eat with braces?” While adjustments to your diet are necessary, you’ll still have plenty of delicious options! For the first day or two after getting braces or following an adjustment, stick to soft foods to minimize discomfort. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. As your teeth adjust, you can reintroduce firmer foods—but always protect your braces while eating.
Foods to Avoid
To prevent damage to your braces and avoid treatment delays, steer clear of:
Chewy foods – taffy, fruit leather, soft pretzels
Crunchy foods – chips, granola, raw almonds
Sticky foods – marshmallows, dried fruit
Hard foods – lollipops, croutons
Foods that require biting – whole pears, uncut sandwiches, celery
Additionally, avoid chewing on non-food objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as these can also damage your braces.
Managing Discomfort
General Soreness
After getting braces, it’s normal to experience soreness for 3 to 5 days as your teeth begin to adjust. To alleviate discomfort:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol.
Stick to soft foods until your teeth feel more comfortable.
Use orthodontic wax to protect the lips, cheeks, and tongue from irritation.
Irritation from braces typically subsides within one to two weeks as your mouth adjusts.
Loose Teeth
Feeling your teeth become slightly loose during treatment can be unsettling, but it’s completely normal! Your teeth need to loosen first so they can shift into their correct positions. Once treatment is complete, they will stabilize in their new alignment.
Dealing with Orthodontic Issues
Loose Wires or Bands
If a wire or band comes loose, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push a poking wire back under the archwire.
Apply orthodontic wax or a damp cotton ball to cover any irritation.
If discomfort persists, call our office to schedule an appointment for a repair.
Rubber Band Wear
Orthodontic rubber bands play a crucial role in aligning your teeth and jaw. For best results:
Wear them exactly as instructed by Dr. Mariah Pewarski.
Replace rubber bands regularly for optimal elasticity.
Inconsistent wear can extend treatment time, so follow your prescribed routine diligently!
Sports and Mouthguards
If you participate in sports, protecting your smile is essential. We provide custom-fit mouthguards to safeguard your braces and teeth during contact activities. Be sure to wear your mouthguard consistently to prevent injuries.
