If you're one of many patients in Calgary receiving care from an orthodontist, it's crucial that you learn how to look after your teeth properly while wearing braces.
It starts with steering clear of foods that are already harmful to your teeth as well as some other foods that can damage your wires or brackets.
As with any other location, your orthodontics care in Calgary begins with making a few food sacrifices to achieve the best outcome at the end of your treatment - and that confident smile you've always wanted. Avoiding foods that are hard, sugary or sticky are your general guidelines, and we've listed some specific foods to avoid here:
Gum
Hard candy
Gummy candy
Licorice
Caramel
Nuts
Ice
Pizza crust
Pop
Apples
Carrots
Popcorn
Brushing Teeth with Braces As any dentist in Calgary will tell you, even if you avoid all these foods, it is critical that you maintain a heightened practice of flossing and brushing. You will need to brush and floss after every meal and every snack. While that may seem like a lot of work at first, it is a crucial habit to form to prevent gum disease, plaque build-up and tooth decay. You are more susceptible to these conditions because braces have a tendency to trap food between your teeth and wires leading to problems down the road if not successfully removed as soon as possible. Brush all surfaces of your teeth including the front, back and molars, as well as along your gum line. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid using a whitening paste as this can reveal inconsistent colouring on your teeth once your braces are removed. Flossing and Rinsing Flossing while wearing braces can prove difficult, but if you make use of a floss threader, it will be much easier. Using one will help you thread the floss under each wire so you can reach individual teeth. It's a little more time consuming, but with practice, it is your best defence against gum disease. You can also use an interdental brush. Its slim shape allows you to clean all those nooks and crannies on your teeth around the brackets and wires. Finish with a dental antiseptic mouthwash, such as Colgate® Peroxyl®, to help control minor irritations and inflammation caused by wearing braces. Gingivitis can begin forming within as little as 48 hours. So it's a good idea to carry with you at all times a small travel kit that contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, an interdental brush and mouthwash. That way you're never stuck long without the proper cleaning tools. At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, we cater to the whole family and provide orthodontics to children, teens, and adults. To learn more about good dental hygiene when wearing braces or if you are interested in getting affordable braces in Calgary, contact us to book your free consultation today.