Just Got Braces? 6 Aftercare Habits You Shouldn't Skip
Just had braces fitted? Good braces aftercare means avoiding hard foods, using the right brush and floss, rinsing, moisturizing lips and monthly checkups.
More and more people are getting braces, whether for style or to straighten crooked teeth. But braces are not something you can neglect. If you are lazy about cleaning your teeth and braces, don't expect your teeth and mouth to stay healthy. Doing it the wrong way only makes your dental health worse.
Mouth sores, trouble chewing and a stiff-feeling mouth are just some of the things you can expect if you skip cleaning your teeth under braces. Looking good takes effort. You can get the smile you've been dreaming of if you know how to care for it. If you have just had braces fitted, here is the proper aftercare to follow:
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Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
The first thing to watch is what you eat. Right after getting braces, and for as long as you wear them, hard and sticky foods top the list of things to avoid. The reason is simple: sticky food gets stuck between the brackets and is hard to clean out, while hard food can knock the brackets loose.
Use a Special Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Next, don't forget to use a special toothpaste and toothbrush. The braces attached to your teeth make brushing harder than it is with normal teeth, which is why you need a dedicated brush and paste. The brush you need is usually small with soft bristles. Soft bristles keep the brackets safe and make them less likely to come off while you brush. You can also choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It helps prevent tooth decay and keeps your teeth from turning yellow because of the braces.
Clean Between Your Teeth
Besides brushing, you are also required to clean between your teeth. Your dentist will recommend dental floss for this. The goal is to prevent plaque and tartar, which can make your teeth look less attractive again.
Use Mouthwash
After getting braces, you should not neglect your dental and oral care. Care that falls short leads to all kinds of problems that can harm the health of your teeth and mouth. One routine you must not forget is mouthwash. It kills the bacteria that cause problems such as bad breath and cavities.
Use Lip Balm
Another thing you should not overlook is lip balm or another lip moisturizer. Braces make lips prone to dryness and cracking. Your teeth also become more sensitive, so never ignore problems with your lips. If you plan to wear lipstick, choose one with a moisturizing formula so it doesn't dry out your lips.
Keep Up Regular Checkups
To avoid problems with your teeth and mouth, see your dentist for a checkup once a month. Each month the wire loosens, so it needs to be changed to a different size. Try not to switch dentists, so you always get the same care and treatment. Your medical record is kept with that dentist, and if you change dentists, your previous record won't be visible to the new one.
Those are the key aftercare steps to follow once you have braces fitted. We hope this information helps.
