One should be prepared for the fact that taking care of the teeth can be more difficult when one wears braces. Braces have a lot of tiny spaces to trap food, which can cause plaque and lead to other dental concerns. That is why it is vital to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day. This might seem tedious; however, neglecting oral hygiene can force one to spend more time in braces or cause staining on the teeth.

In this blog, Dr. Ravneet Kaur, a leading orthodontist, has shared some effective tips that can help one take care of their mouth with braces. The expert orthodontist is known for performing the best braces treatment in Vasant Vihar, Delhi. Read on to learn more.

The Basics: Brushing and Flossing

Braces require careful cleaning since plaque bacteria can readily become trapped both inside and around them. The following steps will make brushing and flossing both simple and effective:

• Prepare to Brush: Take off the elastics and the removable parts of the orthodontic appliance.
  
  
• Clean the Braces: Hold the brush at an angle of 45 degrees to clean around the wires of the braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then to the bottom. Make sure all the plaque and debris are removed properly.
  
  
• Brush the Teeth: Clean each tooth individually. First, position the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, then gently apply pressure while rotating the brush. For around ten seconds, repeat this. Use the same brushing technique on both the outside and inner surfaces of each tooth, tilting the brush as necessary to properly access the inside surfaces of the smaller front teeth.
  
  
• Floss Once a Day: Floss once a day to get rid of the food and beverage debris. This can keep the mouth, gums, and teeth healthy.
  
  
• Use Irrigator: Use an oral irrigator to remove additional dental plaque and food particles from the mouth.
  
  
• Rinse and Check the Teeth: Rinse thoroughly with water and examine the teeth in the mirror to see if they are properly cleaned.
  
  

Which All Foods Should be Avoided While Wearing Braces?

Braces may break if one chews hard foods. When the braces no longer adhere to the tooth surface, they can become loose and stop working as intended. Dental experts recommend soft foods over hard and crunchy foods. Foods to steer clear of while wearing braces include:

• Harsh Foods: Food that does require much effort to eat, such as apples and nuts, should be eaten after cutting them into small pieces.
  
  
• Sticky Foods: Foods that adhere to the tooth surface must be avoided as they stick to the tooth’s surface for a long time. Such foods include caramels, chewing gum, and candies.
  
  
• Sugary and Processed Foods: Sweets and sugary drinks can promote demineralization, which then leads to tooth decay.
  
  
• Crunchy Foods: During orthodontic treatment, foods such as popcorn and ice should be absolutely avoided because the force required to crush them in the mouth can cause the braces to break.
  
  

Now that one knows how to effectively take care of their braces, if one is looking to seek braces treatment to treat misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, underbites, crossbites, etc., one can book a consultation with Dr. Ravneet Kaur, a renowned orthodontist in Vasant Vihar, Delhi at her dental clinic. Pay a visit today.