Braces are an important tool that help people get the smiles they want. However, they do require some additional care to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape. For advice on how to maintain good oral health with braces, Dansville Family Dental Care in Livingston County, NY, shares the following tips.

4 Ways to Care for Your Braces

1. Avoid Damaging Foods

You might incur damage if you’re not careful about what you eat. Stay away from sticky foods, like caramel or taffy, which could get stuck in the brackets and wires. Avoid chewing hard items, such as candy and ice, too, as they can break the braces and require costly repairs.

2. Take Time Cleaning

To prevent cavities and decay with braces, you have to pay extra attention to your teeth. That means using an interdental toothbrush to get under and around the brackets and wires to remove food and plaque. Keep flossing and use mouthwash to further clean your changing smile.

3. Don’t Use Whiteners

Don’t use whitening strips or other products while your braces are in place. If you do, you will see the marks from where your braces were. Instead, wait until they are removed, so you can avoid distinguishing marks.

4. Attend Regular Appointments

Braces require regular adjustments to improve your teeth. It’s crucial you visit the orthodontist or dentist at predetermined intervals to get your braces tightened, adjust your retainer, and ensure your teeth are moving as they should.

Braces can change the way you look, improving your smile and giving you more confidence, but they require special care. To work with compassionate, skilled dentists in the Livingston County area, contact Dansville Family Dental Care. Give them a call at (585) 335-6170 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn about their high-tech facilities.