Braces work best when they’re clean and cared for! You vacuum your house, right? What about washing your dishes when you’re finished eating? Braces from Pechersky Orthodontics are no different. They can do their job better when you take care of them. If food gets stuck between your brackets or wires, a couple of things can happen. First, it could break your braces. Second, leaving old food in your braces causes bacteria to develop (ick!). Dr. Pechersky wants your new smile to “wow” anyone who looks your way. You’ll have to know how to maintain braces if you get them. Our team has headquarters in Pittsburgh and Monroeville to help you and your family do just that.
Brush After Every Meal
Brushing after every meal keeps leftover food from gunking up your braces. A quick, thorough cleansing will keep plaque from building up. Here are a few pointers to think about.
Use a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush
A soft-bristle toothbrush is easy on sensitive gums. And it’s really good for getting debris out of your braces. When you hold the brush, angle it at about 45 degrees angle. Brush around every bracket and wire.
Don’t Forget the Gumline
Your gumline is an easy spot to miss, but brushing there is important, too. Gently scrub the area where your teeth meet your gums to remove food and plaque. Healthy gums = healthy smile!
Fluoride Toothpaste for Extra Protection
Dr. Pechersky recommends that you use fluoride toothpaste. It’ll help strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay. Braces can make it harder to clean all areas of your teeth. Fluoride is your best defense against cavities.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing may seem tricky with braces, but it’s very helpful for getting food out from between your teeth. Braces might complicate it a bit, but here’s how you can floss like a boss (even with braces!).
Use a Floss Threader
A floss threader helps you weave floss between the wires and your teeth. It’s a simple tool that our Pechersky Orthodontics team uses to make flossing with braces much easier. Be patient and get in between every tooth to keep your smile healthy.
Try Orthodontic Flossers
Orthodontic flossers are pre-threaded tools designed for braces. They make flossing quicker and more convenient. Simply slip the flosser under the wire and gently clean between your teeth.
Make it a Daily Habit
Dr. Pechersky tells every patient in our Pittsburgh and Monroeville offices that flossing is as important as brushing. Especially if you have braces. Set aside a few minutes every day to floss. Your teeth and gums will thank you.
Interdental Brushes & Water Flossers
You need interdental brushes and water flossers for those hard-to-reach spots. They help clean around brackets and between teeth where regular brushing can’t reach.
Interdental Brushes for Tight Spaces
Interdental brushes are small brushes that fit between your teeth and braces. They’re great for getting out trapped food particles. Use them gently so you won’t damage your wires or brackets.
Water Flossers for a Deeper Clean
Water flossers use a light stream of water to eliminate food and plaque. They’re perfect for flushing out gunk from tight spaces. Aim the water between your teeth and brackets for a quick, deep clean.
A Handy Tool for Daily Use
Both interdental brushes and water flossers are great for daily use alongside regular flossing. They make it easier to keep your braces and teeth clean without much effort. It’s a small step with big benefits for your smile!
Watch What You Eat
Certain foods can harm your braces or make cleaning harder. Choosing the right foods helps protect your smile. Our Pechersky Orthodontics team has favorite recipes! Ask us for more details at your free consultation.
Avoid Sticky, Hard, and Crunchy Foods
Sticky foods like bubble gum and caramel candies can get stuck in your braces. Hard and crunchy snacks like nuts or popcorn can break your brackets or wires. Stick to softer options like yogurt, pasta, and fruits to keep your braces intact and your treatment on track.
Cut Food into Smaller Pieces
Even with braces-friendly foods, it’s smart to slice things into smaller bites. Large pieces of food can put unnecessary pressure on your braces. Put on your chef’s hat and cut up foods like apples or sandwiches. It’ll help you enjoy your meals without worrying about hurting your braces.
Orthodontic Wax: A Quick Fix for Irritation
According to Dr. Pechersky, orthodontic wax is a must-have in your braces toolbox. It creates a barrier (like a shield) between the metal and your mouth. The barrier prevents irritation and soreness. To use orthodontic wax, simply roll a small piece between your fingers. Place it over the part of your braces that’s bugging you. Make sure to remove the wax before eating and brushing. You can reapply it as often as needed. Orthodontic wax is especially helpful during the first few weeks of treatment when your mouth is still adjusting. It’s a simple, quick fix that helps you stay comfortable while your teeth are moving into place.
Check for Loose Wires or Brackets
It’s important to regularly check your braces for any loose wires or brackets. If something feels off or you notice a wire poking out, it’s best to call us. While waiting for your appointment, you can apply orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges and protect your mouth from irritation. Never try to fix a broken bracket or wire on your own—let our experts at Pechersky Orthodontics handle it. Loose parts can delay your treatment if not addressed quickly, so keeping an eye on your braces is a good habit. Regular follow-ups will help you avoid any unexpected problems along the way!
Pick Pechersky Orthodontics for Your Braces
Want more amazing tips from Dr. Pechersky on how to take care of your braces? Great! Our team has offices in Pittsburgh and Monroeville. Go here to schedule your free consultation at Pechersky Orthodontics.
