Dr.Nitin Oswal and Dr.Krupali Oswal, of Oswal Dental clinic Pune lay great emphasis on oral hygiene. They are of the opinion that one should be mentally prepared to the fact that when the braces are on taking care of teeth becomes very difficult. As the braces have tiny spaces in them it can trap food. When food gets trapped it leads to the formation of plaque. If proper care is not taken, it might to lead to serious dental problems. Both an adult and a child have to take extra care and maintain their braces properly.
Here are a few tips put forth by the orthodontist in Pune which will help in taking care of the braces:
Brushing the teeth with braces
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To avoid accumulation of food particles in the teeth and braces, the orthodontists suggest brushing the teeth four times every day i.e., after breakfast in the morning, after lunch, after dinner and at bedtime.
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Use a toothbrush with soft bristles while brushing. Move the brush in small circular motions as it will reach the food particles that get accumulated under the gum line.
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Brush slowly and carefully by holding the brush at an angle.
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Ensure that you cover all the areas while brushing between the braces, teeth and the tooth surface.
Flossing the teeth with braces
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It is very important to floss your teeth daily when you have braces on.
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Use dental floss to remove the plaque and food particles from areas between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach.
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You can use a floss threader to floss around and the under the archwire of the braces daily. Do not put too much of pressure or floss with force.
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Bleeding may occur initially but if the bleeding persists while flossing consult your orthodontist.
Food to be avoided when braces are on
- Do not eat sticky and hard foods as they damage or break the brackets and wires.
Avoid consuming the following sticky food
- Candies
- Licorice
- Chewing gum
- Caramels
- Toffees
- Chocolates
Avoid consuming the following hard food substances
- Nuts
- Ice
- Hard bread crusts
- Hard rolls
- Corn (On the Cob)
- Apples and carrots(Cut and eat them)
- Pizza
- Chips
Sugary foods to be avoided with braces
Avoid consuming the following sugary foods as they damage the teeth and cause tooth decay.
- Pastries and Cake
- Cookies
- Candies
- Ice Cream
Limit the consumption of these food items and consume them only once a day.
- Sweetened tea
- Juice
- Soda
Activities that should be avoided
Avoid doing the following activities as they can damage the braces and the teeth
- Pencil Chewing
- Biting nails
- Chewing on foreign objects
The orthodontists in Pune are of the opinion that by following these tips you can take proper care of both your braces and your teeth. Although it may seem like a sacrifice to avoid your favorite food items when the braces on, the result when the braces are removed is worth. You can proudly flaunt your beautiful and straight teeth.
Dr. Nitin Oswal
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