Prevent Cavities & Staining: Caring For Your Braces in Brooklyn

Braces are an investment for your child’s teeth, so it’s important to make sure your child’s teeth stay in tip-top condition while they’re receiving their orthodontic treatment. Without proper care, the teeth can become damaged, negating all of the efforts and investment to straighten and align the teeth in the first place.

Traditional braces with metal or ceramic brackets can be particularly difficult to clean because the additional surfaces create areas for plaque to collect. This plaque can wear down at the enamel on the surface of the tooth, creating cavities and staining. Follow these tips for caring for your braces in Brooklyn for beautiful and healthy teeth.

Brushing your teeth is very important.

You know how important it is to brush your teeth, but braces can make it a bit more of a task. To avoid staining, it is crucial to brush your teeth after each meal, utilizing a 45-degree angle for optimal results.. This prevents plaque from building up in the nooks and crannies around your braces and wearing away at your teeth. Whitening toothpaste should be avoided because the toothpaste is unable to whiten the surface below the bracket and can create uneven coloring when the bracket is removed. Instead, use regular toothpaste with fluoride that will protect the enamel.

Don’t forget to floss either.

Flossing your teeth is an important part of any dental regimen but individuals with braces should floss after every meal. It is easy to floss outside of the brackets, but reaching the spaces between and at the gumline can be more difficult. Using a floss threader allows you to more easily pull the floss through to the difficult to reach areas and can be kept in a case in your purse or pocket.

Drink water regularly.

Not only is water good for your health, but also it’s a vital part of oral care. Drinking water regularly will rinse away debris that gets caught between your teeth. Drinking water lubricates the mouth and even combats bad breath. Steer clear of sodas, coffee, juices, and black tea that will just stain the surface of the teeth and creating spotting. Stick to water or green, white, or herbal teas that don’t stain teeth.

Avoid vices and foods that cause staining.

Tobacco is one of the leading causes of tooth staining so smoking and chewing tobacco should be avoided at all cost. Alcohol, particularly red wine, is also notorious for staining teeth. While you’ll still be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods while using braces, certain foods can stain your teeth and possibly even your brackets. Avoid tomato-based foods and mustard, as well as foods with artificial colors that are notorious for staining. Just remember, if it can stain your tongue, it can stain your teeth.

Always remember your routine checkups.

Taking care of your teeth at home is certainly crucial to caring for your braces in Brooklyn, but you should always maintain your routine exams. Dr. Mohamed AlJanabi will schedule your checkups every six months to make sure your teeth are progressing properly and to make adjustments as needed. In addition to your orthodontic appointments with Dr. AlJanabi, you should maintain an appointment with your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.

If you have additional questions about braces or other orthodontic treatments, contact Brooklyn Orthodontics. Dr. Mohamed AlJanabi and his friendly staff are available to answer questions and to schedule a consultation when you call (718) 333-5898 today.