Orthodontic treatment is an important  investment for your future. While you are wearing braces, it is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums. Have a look in the mirror at your new braces. As you see, the brackets and wires have many nooks and creannies that can trap food and plaque. This means your risk of tooth decay and gum problems may be higher while you are wearing braces.

You need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth everyday and to your diet. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean. Areas on the enamel surface may begin to lose minerals (the early stage of tooth decay) leaving unsightly white spots. You may also develop inflammed, bleeding gums (gum problems).

Gum problems and the early stages of tooth decay can be reversed by taking extra care with your oral hygiene and by eating a tooth friendly diet. If left untreated, they can lead to bigger problems that will require treatment and have lifelong effects. While you are having orthodontic treatment, you need to continue to have regular check-ups to ensure little problems don’t become big ones.

Tooth friendly diet
Acidity of some common foods and drinks.

Acidic foods and drinks (pH less than 4.5)
Apples, oranges, pears, pineapples, tomatoes, soft drinks, wine, fruit juices, pickled vegetables, salad dressings, lemons

Low acid foods and drinks (pH greater than 4.5)
Bananas, mangoes, melons, soups, pasta, milk, soda water, dairy foods, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs

Most of us are well aware that sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Starchy foods can also stick to teeth for long periods of time and cause tooth decay. There is increasing concern about acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel from teeth when consumed frequently or when sipped over extended periods of time.

Care at home
Here are 6 steps for keeping your teeth, gums and braces in great shape:

1. Using a fluoride toothpaste and a small soft toothbrush, place your brush at an angle of 45 degrees against the gums. Gently brush along the gumline where the gums and teeth meet, using a small circular motion on each tooth.

2.Spend about 10 seconds on each tooth, brushing in a set pattern so that you don’t miss any teeth.

3.Gently brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires.

4. Brush both the inside and the outside surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion on each tooth.

5. For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.

6. Spit out excess paste then closely inspect teeth and braces in a mirror to check that they are clean.

Care your teeth and make your teeth more healthy to prevent any common diseases.