If you have braces in West Salem, WI, no doubt you’re looking forward to the day when you get them off to reveal your gorgeous teeth! But for some people, that day comes with a bit of an unpleasantness, when it turns out they didn’t do the best job at taking care of their teeth and gums during treatment. Don’t let that scenario happen to you. You’ve invested so much time in getting your alignment issues fixed; it only makes sense to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy! Here are some tips to do just that.

Brush and Floss Thoroughly

Brushing after every meal and snack with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush is essential. Be sure to clean around brackets and wires, angling the brush to reach all surfaces. Flossing is equally important. Use it to navigate around wires and remove debris between teeth. Don’t skip that important last step!

Consider a Water Flosser

A water flosser is not just fun to use. It’s an excellent tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. It uses a gentle stream of water to remove food particles from between teeth and around braces. For more comfort, use warm water rather than cold.

Avoid Sugary and Sticky Foods

Certain foods are off limits when have braces on your teeth, or at least they are if you want to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Stay away from sticky, sugary snacks like caramel, gum, and candy. Also, some bad news: you should skip bread, or at least biting into sandwiches, since bread has a nasty way of getting stuck in your braces.

Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy while you have your treatment. Book an appointment with your West Salem, WI dentist to learn more.