Wearing braces is a big step towards a straighter, healthier smile. But great results don’t just depend on your orthodontist; it also requires daily commitment from you. Caring for your teeth with braces is key to preventing issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to your braces.
Unfortunately, many patients make simple but costly mistakes during their orthodontic treatment. In this blog, we’ll cover the top mistakes to avoid when caring for your teeth with braces so you can stay on track and protect your oral health.
Here are the top mistakes to avoid when caring for your teeth with braces
Not Brushing and Flossing
One of the biggest mistakes is not maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Braces create many small spaces where food particles and plaque can get trapped. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to:
- Stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Cavities
- Gum inflammation
Solution: Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Take your time, ideally 2 minutes per session, and use fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily with floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks designed for braces.
Eating the Wrong Foods
Another big mistake is ignoring food restrictions. Certain foods can break wires, loosen brackets or cause buildup that’s hard to clean. Hard, sticky or chewy foods are your braces’ worst enemies.
Avoid food for Caring for Your Teeth with Braces:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Hard candies
- Sticky sweets like caramels
- Crunchy snacks (like pretzels or hard taco shells)
Solution: Choose braces-friendly foods like yogurt, pasta, smoothies, soft fruits, and cooked vegetables.
Using the Wrong Brushing Technique
Brushing too hard or using the wrong angle can damage your braces or miss key areas around the brackets.
Solution: Use a 45-degree angle to gently brush both above and below the brackets. Consider using an orthodontic toothbrush or interdental brushes to clean around wires and tight spaces.
Not Attending Dental Appointments
Some patients assume they only need to see their orthodontist while wearing braces, but skipping regular dental cleanings and exams is a big mistake. Plaque and tartar can still form around the brackets and along the gumline.
Solution for Caring for Your Teeth with Braces: See your dentist every 6 months (or as recommended). Your dentist will clean your teeth and monitor for any early signs of decay or gum issues during your orthodontic treatment.
Not Fixing Broken Brackets or Wires
A loose bracket or broken wire might not seem urgent, but ignoring it can delay your progress or cause discomfort.
Solution: Contact your orthodontist as soon as you notice any damage to your braces. Don’t try to fix it yourself; you could make things worse.
Not Wearing Orthodontic Appliances as Instructed
If your treatment includes rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances, not wearing them as directed can slow down your progress.
Solution: Follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Missing even a day or two can impact your results and extend your treatment time.
Using Whitening Products
Whitening toothpaste or mouthwash might seem like a good idea, but when you’re wearing braces, it can cause uneven coloring. The areas under your brackets won’t whiten, which may leave behind noticeable spots once your braces are removed.
Solution for caring for Your Teeth with Braces: Stick to fluoride toothpaste during treatment. Wait until after your braces are off to start whitening.
Failing to Protect Your Braces During Sports
If you play contact sports without a mouthguard, you’re risking damage to your braces and your mouth. A hit to the face can cause cuts, broken brackets, or bent wires.
Solution for caring for your teeth with braces: Always wear an orthodontic mouthguard while playing sports. Your orthodontist can recommend or provide one designed specifically for braces.
Drinking Too Many Sugary or Acidic Beverages
Sodas, sports drinks, and even fruit juices are high in sugar and acid, which can lead to demineralization and white spots on your teeth. These can become permanent.
Solution for caring for your teeth with braces: Limit sugary drinks and rinse your mouth with water afterward if you do indulge. Better yet, stick to water throughout the day.
Getting Impatient with the Process
Braces take time to work, and some patients get frustrated, leading them to skip appointments or care routines.
Solution: Stay patient and consistent. Every adjustment and daily hygiene effort brings you closer to a beautiful and healthy smile.
Conclusion
Caring for your teeth with braces isn’t difficult, but it does require discipline. By avoiding these top mistakes, you’ll make your orthodontic treatment smoother, faster, and more effective. Remember, the goal isn’t just straight teeth, it’s a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. If you need any professional assistance, connect with AJ Smiles, and your future smile will thank you. Our team of professionals will assist you with the best dental services. Stay committed, follow your orthodontist’s advice, and your future smile will thank you!
