Now that you’re decked out with brand new braces and you’re on your way to a stellar smile, how do you take care of them? Well, have no fear, Davis Orthodontics is here with the answers! While we’ll give you detailed instructions when you get your braces put on, here’s a refresher on what you need to know about life with braces in the Upstate South Carolina. If you ever have any questions, we’re always available to help, so give us a call at (864) 801-3500, or send us a message right here on our website.
Braces 101
Brushing and Flossing With Braces
When you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to be extra careful to get in all of the nooks and crannies to keep things clean and prevent cavities and gum disease. Brush your teeth in the morning, after every meal and before bed. Be sure to floss once a day too. If you forget your toothbrush, rinse really well with water after a snack and brush as soon as you get home. Here are some pointers:
Brushing Instructions
STEP 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
STEP 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
STEP 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
STEP 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Flossing Instructions
STEP 1
Using a piece of floss about 18 inches long, carefully thread the end between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.
STEP 2
Carefully floss around the braces.
STEP 3
Carefully floss around the gum areas.
STEP 4
Carefully floss around each tooth.
What to Eat With Braces
We promise, you won’t have to give up too many of your favorite foods when wearing braces and temporarily forgoing the few things that will have to wait until treatment is over (ahem, popcorn), will seem worth it when your healthy, beautiful smile takes shape. Use care when eating and cut or break up food into bite-sized pieces so you don’t damage your appliance.
Foods to Avoid With Braces:
- Chewy foods – bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods – popcorn, chips
- Sticky foods – caramel, chewing gum
- Hard foods – nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into – whole, raw apples or carrots, corn on the cob (you can cut these foods up and take corn off the cob)
Foods You Can Eat With Braces:
- Dairy – soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads- soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains – pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Meats/poultry – soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood – tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, carrots and squash, beans
- Fruits – applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Sports
Game, set, match! We have great news for athletes: you can still play sports while wearing braces! Hey, Dr. Buddy himself is an avid tennis player and golfer, so he’d never ask his patients to sit on the sidelines. However, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and your mouth when playing sports or doing any physical activity that could result in trauma to your face. Let Dr. Buddy know you’re an athlete and he’ll help you find the right mouthguard.
Sports Injury
If you do experience a mouth or face injury while playing sports, immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose tooth or damage to your braces, contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve discomfort by applying orthodontic wax and rinsing your mouth with lukewarm saltwater.
Personalized Smile Solutions
Schedule your free consultation with us online or by calling us at (864) 801-3500 to get started!