Braces are one of the best ways to straighten teeth. In order for you to enjoy successful and easy treatment, however, you will need to put in a bit of work. For example, you should keep certain items on hand that will allow you to maintain a clean and fresh mouth. What are some specific tools that will help you do that? This blog post will help answer that question.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
It is wise to brush your teeth after every meal, especially when you have braces on your teeth. Therefore, you should have a toothbrush and toothpaste available even when you are away from home. You can buy a travel-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush for this purpose. You can also carry a small tube of fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Floss and Threader
In addition to brushing, flossing also plays a key role in helping you to maintain a healthy smile throughout your time with braces. A small instrument known as a floss threader (or simply a threader) can help you to insert the floss around your wires and brackets so you can effectively clean between your teeth. As an alternative, you could carry some floss picks that are designed specifically for use with braces.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are tiny toothbrushes that are very useful for people with braces. You can use them to clean around your wires and remove any food particles that might get stuck around them. Both disposable and reusable interdental brushes are available for purchase.
Mouthwash
To keep your mouth extra-clean, you may choose to carry a small bottle of mouthwash with you. It can help to remove lingering food particles and keep your breath as fresh as possible. For added protection against cavities, choose mouthwash that contains fluoride. You should also look for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid dehydrating your mouth.
Orthodontic Wax
From time to time, you might find that some parts of your braces irritate the soft tissues in your mouth. You can use wax to cover those areas and protect your sensitive oral tissues. Simply roll a bit of wax into a ball, mold it onto your braces, and enjoy enhanced comfort!
A Small Mirror
No one wants to get caught with food stuck in their braces! Keeping a compact mirror with you can help you do a quick self-check after each meal so you can continue smiling with complete confidence.
Pain Reliever
Braces can cause some discomfort, especially in the days after you get them adjusted. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you to deal with this issue. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the pain reliever of choice while in braces. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (like ibuprofen/Motrin, aspirin, or naproxen) may slow down how fast teeth move while braces are on. Tylenol has no anti-inflammatory effect and is therefore preferable.
Taking care of your smile while wearing braces is not difficult! Just be sure to keep a few essential items on hand so you can enjoy successful treatment from start to finish.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ben Youel is an experienced, highly skilled orthodontics specialist of Lake County. He provides a range of treatment options, including traditional braces. If you have questions about what you can do to take care of your mouth while you are straightening your teeth, Dr. Youel and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Text or call Grayslake Orthodontics at 847-548-4330.
