Due to COVID-19, countless people are self-isolating to slow the spread of the virus and stay healthy. For people who have braces, that involves taking great care of your brackets, wires, teeth, and gums at home to make sure that you don’t need to visit your orthodontic specialist for an urgent appointment. Read on to learn four orthodontic home care tips that can keep your treatment timeline on track.
1. Be Wary of Foods That Could Damage Your Braces
Your brackets and wires aren’t indestructible, which is why it’s important to be mindful of what you eat. Foods that are sticky, hard, and chewy can easily break or damage your orthodontic appliance, leaving you with an unexpected visit to your dentist in Glenpool. Instead of dealing with a stressful situation like that, be sure to avoid some of the following foods:
- Chewing ice
- Jolly ranchers and other hard candies
- Whole fruits, like apples (cut them up into easy-to-chew small pieces)
- Corn on the cob
- Instant popcorn
- Chewing gum
It’s also a good idea to be mindful if you have a bad habit of chewing on items such as pens, nail-biting, or using your teeth to open items, like packages.
2. Don’t Forget to Brush & Floss Daily
If you have braces, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day to avoid cavity development. For a more thorough clean, you can use a water flosser that’s easier to maneuver around brackets or wires. You can also use an electric toothbrush that effectively reduces plaque buildup around your gumline. Be sure to floss at least once every day and brush twice.
3. Change Your Elastics Every Day
If you have a bite problem that’s being corrected with orthodontic treatment, you likely wear elastics. It’s important to continue wearing them for at least 22 hours every day, replacing them at least once a day. When you don’t change them, the tension that they produce will get weaker, slowing down your progression through your treatment. To stay on track, be sure to set a reminder on your phone or place a sticky note on your mirror to change your elastics.
4. Call Your Dentist If You Run Into Any Problems
If you break a bracket or wire or run into any issues while you’re self-quarantining, be sure to contact your dentist right away. They will help you quickly handle the situation so you can stay on track with your treatment timeline and continue working towards a straighter smile while sheltering in place.
Even though you’re stuck at home right now, it’s a great time to optimize your oral health and ensure that your orthodontic treatment goes exactly as planned. If you have any questions or anything along the way, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontic specialist to get it taken care of.
About the Author
Dr. Dalia Georgy has been providing her community of Glenpool with high-quality comprehensive dental and orthodontic care. She has undergone extensive specialty training in braces, including courses from F.O.R.C.E. Int. and Gerety Orthodontic Seminars. If you run into an orthodontic problem while self-isolating or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation for when our office returns to providing regular services, be sure to visit Glenpool Braces’ website or call 918-201-1414.