Caring for your teeth after braces installation is essential for maintaining oral health and expediting the process of aligning your teeth. Braces require extra attention as brackets and wires can easily accumulate plaque and food particles. Below is a comprehensive guide incorporating expert recommendation from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) on proper dental care with braces.
1. Brush Your Teeth with the Right Technique
Brushing after meals is a must for those wearing braces. UGM experts recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a special interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach areas around brackets and wires. Choose fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
Brush gently, particularly around the wires and brackets, and pay attention to the gumline, which is often overlooked. Proper brushing helps prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to gum inflammation and other complications.
2. Use Floss or a Water Flosser to Clean Between Teeth
Flossing is vital to remove food particles trapped between teeth and braces. UGM experts suggest using a water flosser or super floss for effective cleaning of these difficult areas. These tools help maintain cleanliness, reduce plaque buildup, and prevent cavities.
3. Avoid Certain Foods
One of the biggest challenges of wearing braces is avoiding hard or sticky foods. UGM specialists advise against consuming items like nuts, candies, or ice cubes, which can damage the wires and brackets. Hard foods should be cut into smaller pieces to ease chewing without putting too much strain on the braces.
4. Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash is highly beneficial for overall oral health. Mouthwashes containing fluoride can help prevent cavities and eliminate bacteria that may cause infections or gum inflammation.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Routine check-ups are crucial for monitoring tooth movement and cleaning areas that might be missed during home care. During these visits, your dentist will adjust the wires and check the health of your oral tissues. UGM experts emphasize the importance of regular visits to prevent complications that could prolong the treatment process.
6. Use Orthodontic Wax to Avoid Irritation
For patients experiencing irritation or sores caused by brackets or wires, orthodontic wax can provide relief. The wax covers the brackets, preventing them from rubbing against the soft tissues of the mouth. UGM experts recommend this as an effective way to enhance comfort during treatment.
7. Educate Yourself and Follow Dentist Instructions
Understanding each step of orthodontic care greatly contributes to successful treatment. According to UGM experts, patients should learn proper cleaning techniques, foods to avoid, and oral health routines to achieve optimal results. This knowledge not only ensures aligned teeth but also helps maintain overall oral health during treatment.
***
Braces require extra discipline in maintaining oral hygiene. Following these guidelines and advice from UGM experts can help patients experience a comfortable and effective treatment, resulting in a healthy smile with properly aligned teeth. Proper dental care after braces installation is part of preventing oral health issues, contributing to overall well-being, and supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Educating patients about post-braces dental care is also a step toward enhancing health awareness, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education. Furthermore, encouraging the avoidance of foods that may damage braces or teeth promotes responsible consumption, supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
