How to Care for Your Braces: Tips From Bartlesville Orthodontists
Getting braces is an exciting milestone because it means that you’re on your way to a healthier, more confident smile! But braces do require a little extra care and attention to keep your teeth healthy and your treatment on track. At Tangelo Orthodontics in Bartlesville, we want every patient to have the smoothest experience possible. Here’s your go-to guide for braces care.
Brushing: More Often, More Thoroughly
With braces, brushing after every meal is important, not just morning and night. Food easily gets trapped in the brackets and wires, and letting it sit there encourages bacteria growth and staining. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, then brush the surfaces of the brackets themselves. An electric toothbrush can be especially helpful for reaching around wires.
Flossing With Braces
Flossing is non-negotiable, even with braces. A floss threader or orthodontic floss picks make it much easier to thread floss behind the wire. Water flossers are also an excellent tool for rinsing out debris from around brackets and between teeth. Aim to floss at least once a day, ideally before bed.
Foods to Avoid
Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods are the enemy of braces. Popcorn kernels, hard candies, ice, caramel, and gummy bears can bend wires, pop brackets off, or get hopelessly stuck. Your orthodontist will give you a full list during treatment, but the golden rule is: if you have to bite down hard or pull forcefully, skip it for now.
Handling Soreness
It’s completely normal to experience some tenderness after getting your braces put on or after adjustment appointments. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Eating soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first day or two after adjustments can also ease discomfort significantly.
Protecting Your Braces During Sports
If you play sports, a mouthguard is essential. Ask our team about orthodontic mouthguards that fit over braces as they provide protection for both your teeth and your braces hardware. Don’t skip this step; a fall or sports collision without a mouthguard can cause serious damage.
Have a question about your braces care routine? We’re here to help! Call Tangelo Orthodontics at 918-213-4466 or stop by our Bartlesville office at 3614 SE Kentucky St. Dr. Hall, Dr. Choe, and Dr. Frazee and our wonderful team are always happy to chat.