Have you recently started wearing metal braces and want to keep your teeth healthy? Metal braces in NE Calgary can straighten teeth and improve the bite, but good daily cleaning is essential. Brackets and wires can trap food and plaque, making some areas harder to clean and increasing the risk of cavities, gum problems, and stains.
Brushing carefully around the brackets, cleaning between teeth, and making smart food choices can help protect your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
How Do You Properly Clean Metal Braces Every Day?
Cleaning braces requires a little more attention than brushing regular teeth. Food and plaque can become trapped around the brackets, so each area needs to be cleaned carefully.
A simple daily routine includes:
- Clean your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean around each bracket.
- Brush along the gumline and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Clean between your teeth daily with a floss threader or a tool made for braces.
- Rinse with water after meals when brushing is not possible.
- Follow any additional cleaning advice provided during orthodontic visits.
Taking a few extra minutes each day can make it easier to keep teeth clean while braces are in place.
What Foods Should Be Avoided With Metal Braces?
Some foods can damage brackets or bend wires, while others may stick around braces and make cleaning harder.
Try to limit or avoid:
- Hard candies
- Chewing gum
- Ice
- Popcorn kernels
- Very hard or crunchy foods
- Sticky sweets
- Biting directly into hard fruits or vegetables
Foods such as apples and carrots can be cut into smaller pieces before eating. Choosing softer options can help reduce unnecessary pressure on brackets and wires.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Care of Your Metal Braces?
Poor cleaning habits can allow plaque to remain around brackets for long periods. This may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum irritation, bad breath, and white marks on the teeth.
Neglecting braces care can also lead to problems such as:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Cavities around brackets
- Tooth discoloration
- Broken brackets
- Bent wires
- Delays in orthodontic treatment
Good oral hygiene is therefore an important part of protecting both the teeth and the progress of treatment.
How Can an Orthodontist Help Protect Your Smile?
Regular appointments with an orthodontist in NE Calgary allow the condition of the braces and teeth to be checked throughout treatment. These visits may also help identify loose brackets, damaged wires, or areas that are difficult to clean.
During appointments, it is helpful to mention:
- A bracket that feels loose
- A wire that is poking or causing discomfort
- Ongoing gum bleeding
- Trouble cleaning a certain area
- Any changes noticed in the teeth or gums
Following the recommended appointment schedule can help keep treatment on track.
Simple Habits for Healthier Teeth During Braces
Adjusting your daily routine will make it more convenient to care for braces. It’s a good idea to have a travel toothbrush on hand to brush your teeth after meals, if possible. Do not use your teeth for packaging or hard biting.
Helpful habits include.
- Keep orthodontic wax handy for minor irritations.
- Make sure you brush and floss!
- Brush your teeth as soon as you can after eating.
- Drink water at a high level.
- Steer clear of practices that harm your braces.
- Never miss your scheduled orthodontic checkups.
There are basic steps that help to keep your teeth clean and keep your braces safe.
What Should You Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?
A broken bracket or loose wire does not always require emergency care, but it should be reported to the orthodontic team. Avoid pulling or cutting the wire unless specific instructions are provided.
If a wire is rubbing against the cheek or gum, orthodontic wax may help reduce irritation until the issue can be checked. Promptly reporting damage can help determine whether a repair is needed.
Keep Your Smile on Track During Orthodontic Treatment!
Braces take time to get used to, and there’s always the chance of getting some pain or discomfort. Brushing and flossing regularly, eating healthy foods, and visiting the orthodontist near you on a regular basis can reduce your risk for dental problems and help maintain a healthy smile.
Book your appointment with Totally Orthodontics today to get helpful guidance on braces care and learn how to protect your smile throughout your orthodontic treatment.
FAQs
Can I use a regular toothbrush with metal braces?
Yes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the brackets and wires. An orthodontic brush can also help reach hard-to-clean areas.
Is it normal for gums to bleed with braces?
Gums may bleed if plaque builds up and causes irritation. A dental professional should check frequent or heavy bleeding.
Can braces cause cavities?
Braces do not cause cavities, but food and plaque can build up around the brackets. Good brushing and cleaning can help prevent tooth decay.
What should I do if my braces break?
Contact your orthodontist for advice. Do not try to fix the brackets or wires yourself.
