Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces is important to make sure you will only have to wear braces for one to three years, or as prescribed by your orthodontist at County Dental.

It can be a challenge to care for your teeth with braces. Taking care of your teeth and braces during the timeframe you are wearing them will prevent the extension of the time you are going to need to wear braces. Proper oral care is key with or without braces to avoid dental problems like gingivitis and tartar buildup.

Have a dental kit prepared for unexpected situations. The kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wax and lip palm. County Dental in the Hudson Valley recommends you carry this kit with you at all times.

Avoid and Use Caution with Certain Foods

We all have a favorite foods. Some of these foods are on a caution or do not eat list while wearing braces.

Avoid the following types of food

• Caramel and gooey candy bars
• Sticky or chunky peanut butter
• Hard candies
• Nuts
• Chewy candy, taffy, and gummy bears
• Popcorn
• Corn

Use caution with these foods

• Chewy breads such as bagels. If you do eat a bagel, it is recommended to tear into small pieces
• Chips – eat carefully and one at a time
• Corn on the cob – cut off the cob
• Apples and carrots must be cut into small pieces
• Soda and sugary drinks – avoid to prevent tooth decay

Maintain Follow-Up Appointments

Maintain follow-up orthodontist appointments every four to six weeks in order to replace worn out rubber bands, check progress on your teeth, and make adjustments to the wires. Wire adjustments are essential to make sure the teeth are pulled in the proper direction.

If your daily responsibility includes wearing rubber bands only remove them while brushing your teeth.

Wires or brackets may break. Don’t panic. Cover sharp edges with wax and call you orthodontist as soon as possible.

Proper care now will make the journey smoother to enjoying a happy smile and healthy mouth for a lifetime.  Come see County Dental today for all your dental needs. County Dental is committed to whole health care for our community serving over 105,000 patients in Hudson Valley.

Our five-part series will continue with the removal of braces and the future.

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