Caring for Your Braces: Expert Tips from Hampstead Dentists


When you decide to correct your teeth’s alignment with braces, the journey towards a perfect smile involves more than just visiting dentists. It requires a level of care and significant changes to your oral hygiene practices to ensure the efficacy of the treatment. The expert dental team from Hampstead provides useful advice on how to care for your braces to give you the best outcome and a worry-free experience.

To begin with, brushing your teeth becomes paramount when you have braces. Hampstead Dentists recommend more frequent brushing, at least thrice a day after each meal. This practice helps remove food particles stuck in the braces which could lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease if not addressed. It is advisable to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to reach the hard-to-access areas around brackets and wires.

The use of a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash aids in strengthening tooth enamel and safeguarding against cavities. While brushing, it would be best if you brushed gently along the gum line and cleaned each bracket individually. You should always rinse your mouth at the end to ensure all loosened particles are washed away.

Flossing is another crucial step the dentists at Hampstead cannot stress enough. It may be a tad more challenging with braces, but the use of floss threaders or orthodontic floss can make it manageable. Flossing dentist hampstead helps to remove plaque and food debris that the toothbrush may not reach.

Another piece of advice from Hampstead dentists is altering your diet to suit your braces. Crunchy, sticky, and hard foods can damage your braces. Hence, consuming soft and easy-to-chew foods is recommended. Also, sipping on sugary, acid-filled drinks can cause tooth decay and discoloration around brackets, so water should be your go-to drink.

Preventive measures are essential too. Regular Dental check-ups with your dentist at Hampstead are a must to monitor your progress and make the necessary adjustments to your braces. Equally crucial are protective measures taken while playing contact sports – a mouth guard can protect your braces and teeth from any potential harm.

It’s normal to experience some discomfort and mouth sores due to the rubbing of brackets and wires against your mouth. Using an over-the-counter dental wax can ease this discomfort and provide relief by creating a barrier between brackets and the mouth.

Last but not least, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush frequently. Braces can often wear out toothbrushes faster, so it’s important to check their condition and replace them when necessary.

In conclusion, caring for your braces is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. This journey is not just about achieving that perfect smile, but also maintaining oral hygiene and staying healthy. The expert dentists at Hampstead are dedicated to offering their in-depth guidance and assurance throughout your orthodontic journey. And remember, every step taken towards caring for your braces is a step closer to unveiling your dazzling smile.