Oral hygiene tips for teeth in braces

Oral hygiene tips for teeth in braces

There are things that we often see but simply pass off either because they do not happen to us or we just do not care. Having braces is one such thing, and often we see school-going children with them and adults too. Cleaning them never occurs to you right until you see them covered with debris in the person’s mouth talking to you. So what should one know then when it comes to braces?

Dr Aisha Bataringaya-Sekalala, a consultant orthodontist and a lecturer with the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University, explains that it is by using the toothbrush and toothpaste prescribed by one’s orthodontist as recommended. “People with braces should brush after every meal, especially if one has eaten anything sticky or sweet,” she says.

But if one cannot brush right away, they should rinse their mouths with water in the meantime until they will be able to brush. “It is a good idea to carry a special travel toothbrush when away from home,” Dr Bataringaya-Sekalala explains, “Make absolutely sure your teeth and braces are as clean as you can get them.”

During cleaning, it is important to remove every trace of plaque and trapped food from all the surfaces of one’s teeth; that is the fronts, backs, tops and under the wires.

Close attention should be paid to brushing the gum line because plaque left there will make one’s gums sore and swollen, which will inevitably make brushing even more difficult.

She adds, “This also is the time one should use dental floss, special brushes, mouthwashes and fluoride mouth rinse, as recommended by an orthodontist.” And after brushing, it is obligatory that one rinses thoroughly. “Swish the water all around your mouth and teeth,” she advises, “then, inspect your teeth and braces carefully to make sure they are spotless.”

This is best done by looking closely in a well-lighted mirror which could help one see the plaque they would otherwise not be able to feel and one may have to brush and rinse two or three times before all the plaque is gone.

How to take good care of your braces

Sticky foods will bend, loosen or damage brackets and bands. Avoid caramels, toffees, bubble gum, sweets with whole nuts, frozen chocolate and ice-lollies. These foods are also high in sugar and can cause permanent damage to your teeth.

Hard foods can bend wires and loosen cement under the brackets or bands. Cut up hard fresh fruit like apples or dice raw vegetables like carrots before eating. Avoid popcorn, sugarcane, peanuts or corn/maize on a cob. Do not chew on pens, pencils and finger nails.

Don’t try and eat meat off the bone. All the meat must be eaten with a fork and knife. If you eat biltong (dried salted meat), stick to the soft sliced variety.

Call the dentist immediately if something comes loose. Should a wire be poking you in the cheek, place some wax over it and have it clipped.
Sore teeth are normal for two or three days after appointments. If the lips or cheeks are irritated by the roughness of the braces, use the wax provided until the soreness subsides.

Brush after every meal. Brushing is recommended after eating anything. Make sure that extra care is taken of oral hygiene while in braces. The teeth are expected to be shiny and clean every day. Treatment will go smoothly with healthy teeth and gums.

Appliances are to be worn at all times unless specified by a dental specialist.

Retainers are important to the retention of teeth once the active stage of treatment is completed. Wearing retainers is the part of the orthodontic treatment that is your responsibility.

Emergency cases warranting medical attention

A loose band, brace or wire irritating the mouth

An arch wire that is broken or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue

A removable appliance that is not fitting well is not to be worn until it can be properly adjusted at the doctor’s.

Any unusual symptoms such as pain or bleeding