Living With A Brace
Choose foods that are soft. Avoid any foods that are hard, sticky, and or chewy. Cut or tear sandwiches, baguettes and pizza rather than biting right into them. Initially after the brace has been fitted you may feel that you would be best with food that require little to no chewing like soup, pasta or jacket potatoes.
To maintain your braces, try to avoid high-acid foods and replace them with low-acid foods like bananas, mangoes, carrots and much more. When wearing braces, the causes of tooth decay are accelerated. So make sure you are using a toothpaste with fluoride and are drinking plenty tap water. Depending on your situation, a fluoride-rich mouthwash may be advisable.
When preparing to brush, remember to take off elastics and any other removable parts of your braces before brushing so that you can get any plaque bacteria or debris that may be stuck. Brush at 45-degree angle to get around the wires and pins of your orthodontic appliance. Brush each tooth individually and remember to floss daily.
How to Brush
A good way to tell you are brushing your brace properly is that everything is shiny and you can see all the edges of the brace clearly.
Use an fluoride toothpaste and a soft, rounded-bristled toothbrush which is in good condition. As you go through treatment you will find your toothbrush will wear quicker, any signs of wear please replace your toothbrush.
Brush all round your brace and every surface of your teeth – front, sides and backs. Be sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Brush gums gently and thoroughly.
Spit, do not rinse.
How to Floss
Flossing with a brace can be a little tricky some people prefer to use with the small inter-dental brushes or super floss. These item allow you to floss with ease.
Floss every night before you go to bed, making sure you clean carefully along and under the gum line.
Sports
You can play sports while you are receiving brace treatment but it is advised you wear a protective mouth guard. These are advised for sports like riding a bike, skating or playing any contact sports. Your orthodontist can advise you on a recommended specific mouth guard.
Musical Instruments
Musical Instruments If you play wind or brass instruments, like a trumpet , you will clearly require some adaptations to the brace. With practice and a period of adjustment to the brace, it typically does not interfere with playing a musical instrument. Sometimes when playing wind instruments it can be a recommendation to use a lip guard, please ask your orthodontist for more information.
