Brace yourself: How to care for teeth with braces

Caring for your teeth when you have braces can be tricky business.

At times it can seem like those wires and brackets are stopping you from getting into all the nooks and crannies of your teeth. While brushing with braces and other oral hygiene habits can require a little bit of extra time and TLC, it’s important to still give your teeth the attention and cleaning they deserve.

Whether it’s you or your child who wears braces, here are five tips to help care for your teeth that will put you on the pathway to a happy and healthy smile.

While you don't have to limit yourself to a diet of mashed potatoes, Jello and soup while wearing braces, you should skip sticky and hard-to-chew foods.

Foods that are gummy or especially hard can get lodged in your teeth and braces, and even cause your braces to break. Common offenders are caramel, gummy candies, hard pretzels and popcorn. Your orthodontist will give you a full list of prohibited foods to help you steer clear of a sticky situation — literally.

"Avoiding sticky foods and candies is especially important when wearing braces," said Dr. Robert Selden, an orthodontist in Charlotte. "Chewing these types of foods can cause damage to the braces and sometimes the mouth, as popped wires and bare brackets can cause uncomfortable rubbing against the inner mouth."

Selden added, "It's especially important that parents of teenagers, who are more prone to these types of eating behaviors, monitor what they’re snacking on."

We all know that we're supposed to brush and floss every morning and night, but many of us are probably guilty of skipping the flossing part on occasion.

However, when you have braces on, these habits are even more crucial. So critical, in fact, that it's advised you brush and floss after every meal, in addition to the morning and night.

Braces can trap food debris, which can breed cavities and gingivitis if left ignored. Brushing and flossing after breakfast, lunch and dinner will help remove lingering food remains — because leftovers belong in the fridge, not in your teeth.

While wearing braces, you will need to visit your orthodontist regularly. The application of your braces is only the first step in a process that will require regular adjustments and maintenance visits throughout the time that your braces are on.

As the American Association of Orthodontists advises, it's important that you keep routine, in-person appointments with your orthodontist so that they can monitor your progress.

Regular visits to your general dentist are also important. Routine checkups are necessary to spot signs of cavities or gum disease. You’ll also receive fluoride treatments that can provide additional protection from tooth decay while you’re wearing your braces.

"Just because you visit an orthodontist while wearing braces, does not mean you should forgo trips to a general dentist," Selden cautioned. "While both types of medical professionals provide oral care, their specialties differ, and seeing both on a regular basis is critical to your orthodontic journey, as well as the overall health of your teeth."

Gums can get inflamed while wearing braces due to the body's reaction and sensitivity to the metal brackets on your teeth. Plaque also collects around the brackets.

While brushing and flossing are greatly important, mouth rinse can also support gum health and penetrate places that brushing and flossing may not reach.

Rinsing your mouth with a swig of water after you've completed a meal is also a good habit to get into when wearing braces. It isn't as thorough as brushing or flossing, but it can lift some lingering pieces of food debris and rinse out some excess sugars that drinks can leave behind.

Anytime a sport is played, a mouth guard should be worn — especially if you or your child wears braces. As the AAO states, mouth guards and other types of protective gear can help prevent or reduce injuries that happen during organized and recreational sports, especially when a patient athlete wears braces that move the teeth or align the jaws.

Competitive physical activity, especially contact sports, could be harmful to your braces-bearing mouth without a protective guard. Mouth guards provide protection by absorbing the high impact that can come from something like a football tackle for example.

If you play sports and wear braces, remember that a mouth guard is essential.

Caring for your teeth and mouth when you have braces requires a little bit of extra time and attention, but these tips can help you gear up for your brightest smile yet.