Four Braces Care Tips For The New Year

You know what time of year it is… resolution time. The new year is the perfect opportunity to make meaningful commitments to new and improved behaviors that you can use to help yourself become the best version of yourself possible. Sounds easy, right? It is if you can do it smiling.

Speaking of your smile, why not make one of your resolutions to smile about your smile. If you’re wearing braces, this is a commitment certainly worth it’s weight in metal. After all, you don’t want to derail or prolong your results because you didn’t keep your teeth as healthy as possible during treatment.

We’ve collected some very practical and easy to implement tips to help you with your orthodontic resolution. Here are Four Braces Care Tips For The New Year:

1. Just Say No To Sticky, Hard, & Chewy

Whenever possible, you should avoid putting anything sticky, hard, or chewy in your mouth. Such substances put your teeth and braces at great risk. It can result in dental repairs to your teeth, orthodontic repairs to your braces, and prolong the time you need to wear your braces.

Your orthodontist has likely given you a list of all the foods that fit this description, including popcorn, nuts, caramel, nougats, toffee, and such.

Do keep in mind that this means inanimate objects, too. Habits like chewing on pen lids or biting your fingernails may seem benign, but it can cause damage to your braces and teeth quite easily.

2. Brush & Floss As Recommended

It’s standard to brush and floss at least twice daily. This is the bare minimum that’s required for good oral health. It’s also particularly important for anyone wearing braces or other orthodontic devices that could further trap food particles against your teeth and in crevices between teeth.

Lapses in proper oral hygiene put you at greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease. What a shame it would be to have beautifully straight teeth and a proper bite only to discover cavities post-braces.

Make a commitment to twice per day, but if you really want to give your teeth and gums the healthiest environment, make it a resolution to clean your teeth after each meal and after all sugary drinks and snacks. Of course, you can do your teeth and general health a big favor by limiting those sugary intakes, too.

3. Don’t Skip The Mouth guard

Just as your orthodontic devices are an investment in a healthy, beautiful smile, your mouthguard is an investment in both your smile and orthodontic device. If you participate in any activity, sport, or event that could involve person-to- person or equipment-to-person contact, you should be wearing a properly fitted mouthguard. Properly fitted is a key component. Not just any mouthguard will do. It must fit your mouth, specifically around the braces. Customizable mouth guards from your orthodontist are the best way to ensure this, and, like your braces, they can often be selected to sport your favorite colors and designs!

4. Don’t Ignore Instructions From Your Orthodontist

Dr. Blalock is here to facilitate the best treatment possible, which means it’s important to follow his instructions to the letter. Headgear, retainers, rubber bands, and so forth should be worn exactly how and when your orthodontist instructs. Otherwise, you could face negative impacts to your treatment and/or delay results.

If you aren’t sure about any instruction, don’t guess or assume. Just contact us for clarification. We’re always happy to help.

Give Your Braces The Best Care

In closing, following these braces tips will help your dental health resolutions seem like a cakewalk. Your smile will thank you, and Dr. Blalock will surely be proud. If you haven’t yet begun your journey with orthodontics for a healthier smile, then give us a call today. We can schedule your consultation and give you even more tips on how to care for braces in 2021!