Caring for Your Smile While You Have Braces

Do you know how to take care of your teeth while you wear braces? Good oral care and visits to your Madera, CA, dentist, Dr. Ahmed Elsayed, can help you protect your smile during orthodontic treatment. Learn more by contacting Madera Family Dental Care.

Use a gentle touch when brushing

Brushing your teeth is important, as it removes food debris and plaque, a sticky, colorless film that causes cavities. You'll need to be a little more careful when brushing if you have metal or ceramic braces, according to your Madera dentist. Brushing too hard can break a brace wire or loosen one of the brackets attached to your teeth. Eating hard foods, like carrots or nuts, can also damage brace wires or brackets.

It's best to use downward strokes when brushing. Use a lighter touch when your brush reaches the wires and brackets. When you brush, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle against the teeth.

Don't forget to floss

Floss gets rid of plaque in the areas between teeth and also removes food particles trapped under your wires. You may find flossing around wires and brackets easier if you use a floss threader or interdental brush. A water-powered flosser offers another option. The flossers use a stream of water to loosen and remove food and plaque from teeth.

Use fluoridated products

Unfortunately, you can get cavities while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing as recommended and using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride will help you keep your risk of cavities low. Fluoride, a mineral added to many oral care products, offers added protection for your teeth. If acids have begun to attack your tooth enamel, fluoride will rebuild the weak areas of enamel, preventing cavities.

Visit your dentist

Even though you'll visit the dentist frequently for adjustments, you'll still need to schedule regular checkups for your braces with the Madera dental office. Checkups help your dentist spot tooth decay and other dental issues before they can cause major smile problems.

Your checkups will also include dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Cleanings are particularly important when you wear braces. Your dental hygienist has special tools that make it easier to remove the substances from hard-to-reach places.

Regular dental visits keep your smile healthy when you wear braces! Call your dentist in Madera, CA, Dr. Ahmed Elsayed, of Madera Family Dental Care at (559) 661-4114 to schedule an appointment.

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Testimonial

    "Dr. Ahmed is the best dentist around! I will drive from Selma just to see him. I wouldn't let anyone else work on me."

    DENNA W.

Madera Family Dental

559-661-4114
 2311 W Cleveland Ave Suite #103 Madera, CA 93637-4523