Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
Braces offer a great way to improve your smile by straightening out your teeth. For them to work efficiently, they must be cared for properly. Fortunately, caring for braces can be easy if you follow the instructions your dentist gives you and practice a regular oral health routine. Here are a few additional tips you can use to care for your braces and your teeth.
Carry A Portable Oral Care Kit
You should brush your teeth every time you eat to prevent food from becoming stuck in the brackets. This can be tricky if you are at work or are out at social engagements. Packing a portable oral health kit can make it easy for you to clean your teeth whenever you need to. Consider keeping a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your work desk. For dinner out or meals away from home, place a single-use disposable toothbrush and a length of floss into a small zippered plastic bag. This bag can be stashed in a purse or pocket for easy access.
Wear A Mouth Guard
If you play sports on the weekends or take part in high-intensity workouts, wearing a mouth guard can help provide added protection for your braces and teeth. Without a guard, you may experience cuts on the inside of your mouth during contact sports, or you may find that the brackets can become loose or dislodged. You can talk to your dentist about acquiring a custom-made mouth guard, or you can purchase a pre-made version at a local sporting goods store. Your guard should have an upper and lower piece to protect all of your teeth.
Make Smart Diet Decisions
Following a healthy diet is always good for you, but it can also come in handy when you have braces. Avoid coffee and other foods that might stain your teeth. Stains on teeth while you are wearing braces can lead to unevenly colored teeth, as the enamel behind the braces brackets won't be exposed to the same amounts of food and drink as the rest of your teeth. This can mean small squares that are lighter than the rest of your teeth when the braces are removed. Follow your dentist's instructions about which types of foods should be avoided, such as corn on the cob, popcorn, and gum that isn't sugar-free.
Combined with regular checkups and cleanings, these simple tips can make it easy to care for your teeth for the time you have braces on. You can even keep up these practices after the braces are taken off to continue protecting your smile.
Share20 January 2018
