All About Braces Care and Oral Hygiene
Adjusting to life with braces takes a little time, but with the right care and guidance, it quickly becomes part of your routine. At Troy City Orthodontics in Fall River, MA, Dr. Katherine Moynihan and our team are here to help you stay comfortable, protect your appliances, and keep your treatment on track every step of the way.
How Should I Brush and Floss with Braces?
Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is more important than ever. Braces can trap food and plaque, so brushing after every meal and flossing daily is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Because cleaning around brackets and wires takes extra effort, some patients may need more frequent professional cleanings. Adults with a history of gum disease may also benefit from seeing a periodontist during treatment. With consistent care, you can keep your smile healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
How Should I Brush and Floss with Braces?
Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is more important than ever. Braces can trap food and plaque, so brushing after every meal and flossing daily is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Because cleaning around brackets and wires takes extra effort, some patients may need more frequent professional cleanings. Adults with a history of gum disease may also benefit from seeing a periodontist during treatment. With consistent care, you can keep your smile healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
One of the most common questions patients ask is what they can safely eat. Right after adjustments, it’s best to stick to softer foods while your teeth adjust. As you get more comfortable, you’ll be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods again.
That said, protecting your braces is important throughout treatment. Being mindful of what you eat will help prevent damage and keep your progress on schedule.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can bend wires, break brackets, or get stuck in your braces. To avoid delays in treatment, try to limit or avoid:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
- Foods you bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
It’s also important to avoid chewing on non-food items like pens, pencils, or fingernails, as these can damage your braces and extend treatment time.
Will Braces Make My Teeth Sore?
It’s normal to feel some soreness when you first get braces or after adjustments. Your teeth may feel tender for a few days as they begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain relief, like what you’d take for a headache, can help manage discomfort.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also need time to adjust. Orthodontic wax can be placed over areas that feel irritated to make things more comfortable.
Is It Normal for Teeth to Feel Loose?
Yes, this is completely normal. Teeth need to loosen slightly in order to move into their new positions. While it may feel unusual at first, this is a natural and expected part of the process. Once treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize in their corrected positions.
What If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
Occasionally, a wire or band may come loose during treatment. If a wire is causing irritation, you can gently push it back into place using something soft, like the eraser end of a pencil. You can also use orthodontic wax to cover the area and reduce discomfort.
Be sure to contact our office so we can repair the issue and keep your treatment progressing smoothly.
Why Are Rubber Bands So Important?
Rubber bands (elastics) play a key role in guiding your teeth and jaw into proper alignment. For the best results, it’s important to wear them exactly as instructed. Skipping wear or not following directions can delay your progress and extend treatment time.
Consistency makes a big difference in achieving your final results.
Can I Still Play Sports with Braces?
Absolutely. If you play sports, especially contact sports, it’s important to wear a protective mouthguard. This helps protect both your teeth and your braces from injury. Let our team know if you’re active in sports, and we’ll make sure you have the right protection. If you ever have questions or concerns during treatment, our team is always here to help. With the right care and support, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, confident smile.