We understand that keeping your teeth and gums clean after you get your braces on by Dr. Rucker may seem overwhelming. You may be dreading the thought of the discomfort and high maintenance that follows. However, Braces Care in Temecula is not as difficult as you think! The health of your teeth and gums is extremely important to us. Dr. Rucker has spent countless hours of research and clinical observation to be sure you have the best experience possible when it comes to taking care of your teeth with braces. Here are some tips to help you face this new challenge.
Brushing Your Braces
While brushing your teeth with braces may sound both difficult and inconvenient, this task can be simplified by your choice of toothbrush! Although you can achieve acceptable results with a manual toothbrush, Dr. Rucker recommends an electric toothbrush. Two of the most trusted brands of electric toothbrushes are Sonicare or Oral-B. The key to brushing whether you decide to use a manual or electric toothbrush is to check your teeth after brushing and make sure you do not have any remaining food or plaque on your teeth. The most commonly missed areas are directly above or below your braces near the gums. Be sure to spend two full minutes brushing after meals and at the minimum twice daily.
Cleaning Between Your Braces
Cleaning between your teeth and braces remains a challenge for some patients even with the help of an electric toothbrush. If you are having this problem a Waterpik can improve your oral hygiene dramatically.
The Waterpik is an electric water flosser that blasts a narrow stream of water onto your teeth, acting as a powerful method to clean between your teeth and your braces. When used correctly, this can be highly effective in removing food and plaque from your teeth and even the harder-to-reach areas in and around the braces and wires. Most patients find the Waterpik both significantly faster and easier to use than traditional floss. Be sure to ask us about this important tool at your next visit!
Eating With Braces
You may need to adjust the way you eat certain foods or avoid them all together once your braces are on. There are three categories of foods that are best to be avoided: Hard Foods, Crunchy Foods and Sticky Foods. Following a proper diet is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. See below for a list of foods that you should avoid!
Please note that certain foods such as those pictures can put you at risk for broken or damaged appliances, which can ultimately delay your orthodontic treatment. If you have any doubts about foods not included on this list, please call our office and ask us!
Keeping these points in mind will not only help you keep your braces clean, but will ensure a healthy and attractive smile once your braces are off! Contact our orthodontics office in Temecula today at 951-302-0685. We are happy to answer your questions or schedule your for a complimentary orthodontic exam and consultation! We want to help you obtain the smile that you deserve!
NOTE: The author, Dr. Jonathan Rucker, is a certified specialist in orthodontics (Orthodontist). His private orthodontic practice, Rucker Orthodontics, is located in Temecula, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Brigham Young University, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Medical College of Virginia, and his orthodontic specialty training at Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education. He is a certified Damon Braces provider and a preferred Invisalign specialist. He offers the most advanced techniques available in modern orthodontic treatment to ensure his patients have a positive and memorable experience while giving them the best possible results.
