The new year is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to have self-reflection and also look toward the future. Now that 2021 has arrived, you can create new goals to ensure the new year is a time you improve yourself, whether it’s mentally or physically. Most people want to focus on their health and wellness, which means also taking your oral health into account. When you have braces on, it’s important to continue practicing certain habits to ensure you can improve your teeth and gums like protecting them from bacteria and plaque.
Listen to Your Orthodontist
Your orthodontist knows what steps you need to take to align your teeth and make them look flawless. You may wear headgear, rubber bands, or Invisalign retainers to improve the quality of your teeth. It’s important to listen to your orthodontist when they instruct you when and how often you should be wearing the equipment to ensure you achieve the desired results. The professional knows what you need to do to attain a beautiful smile. Cutting corners or forgetting to use the gear consistently will only delay the progress you make and can make it take longer to improve the imperfections in your smile. Remain disciplined and set reminders in your phone or on your calendar to ensure you follow the schedule and treatment plan your orthodontist created.
Brush and Floss Frequently
One of the most important habits to take to improve your oral health is to brush and frequently floss even when you’re wearing braces. It’s even more important to care for your teeth and gums when you have braces because food can become lodged in-between the equipment. You can increase your risk of tooth decay if you don’t floss and brush twice each day or after every meal. Some people find it difficult to floss while wearing braces, but there are specific types of flossers that can get in-between the metal parts to ensure you remove food and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Wear a Mouthguard while playing sports
Consider wearing a mouthguard when you play contact sports or spend time in gym class to ensure you can protect your teeth while staying physically active. Mouthguards can prevent your teeth from getting knocked out if someone elbows you in the mouth or you accidentally have contact with the ball. We can even make you a custom piece to ensure it fits securely in the mouth and doesn’t fall out. The custom design will also make it feel more comfortable as you wear it while playing. We can even incorporate your team colors to ensure it’s fun to wear and show off.
Don’t Eat Sticky or Chewy Foods
Eating sticky or chewy foods is one of the most common ways the brackets on your teeth can pop off because of the texture of the items. From popcorn to chewy candy, there are many items people continue to eat, which can cause damage to both your teeth and the braces. Avoid eating foods like caramel and nuts until your braces are removed to ensure they stay on and don’t need to be repaired, which can prolong the time it takes to get them off.
By knowing the right resolutions to create for the new year, it can make your smile more beautiful and healthy over time. Our experienced team at Hallgren Orthodontics is here to offer additional assistance to improve your oral health. Reach out to us at your convenience to schedule a free consultation at our office. We look forward to seeing your smile!
– The Hallgren Orthodontics Team