Avoid Getting Food Stuck in Your Teeth
Eating out of the house with braces can be tricky. Whether you are having lunch in the school cafeteria or enjoying dinner with your co-workers after a long day, there is always a risk of getting food stuck in your braces.
Luckily, there are simple solutions to keeping your braces food-free at all times, even without access to your bathroom.
Create a Care Kit
An essential tip for anyone with braces is to create a braces care kit. The best items to include in your kit are:
- A travel-sized toothbrush.
- Travel-sized fluoride toothpaste.
- Dental floss.
- Floss threaders.
- Interdental brushes.
- Orthodontic wax.
- Lip balm.
- Pain relievers.
Keep this kit with you at all times or make multiple to put in different areas. You can create one for your backpack or work bag and one for your regular purse. Having these items readily accessible will make it convenient for cleaning your teeth on the spot whenever necessary.
While items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste may be obvious, including the other items on the list is also essential. It is helpful to always have orthodontic wax nearby because you never know when a wire may poke out or when a bracket may rub the inside of your mouth and cause discomfort.
Additionally, many people experience dry or chapped lips while undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is because braces and other appliances can cause your lips to stretch wider over your teeth than they were once accustomed to.
Care Kits for Clear Aligners
If you wear clear aligners, such as Invisalign, your care kit may have a few differences. Your care kit should still include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. However, you won’t need floss threaders, interdental brushes, or orthodontic wax.
Instead, your kit may want to include:
- A travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Clear aligners case.
- Antibacterial breath strips.
- Aligners remover tool.
- Cleaning crystals or denture cleaner.
- Pain reliever.
Carry a Water Bottle
Water is a great way to stay hydrated and a simple way to swish water from your teeth and braces. Water is advantageous to other beverages like juices or sodas because of their sugar content. Drinks that are high in sugar will increase your risk of tooth decay.
Having a water bottle handy at all times is also convenient. You may not always have access to a bathroom and sink, so you can use the water bottle to assist you in brushing your teeth.
Read the Menu Ahead of Time
If you know where you are going to eat, it is recommended to preview the menu ahead of time. Search for orthodontic-friendly foods to prevent any emergencies while you are out. Foods that are crunchy, sticky, or hard can easily damage your brackets or wires. Eating or drinking anything high in sugar can also harm your teeth and cause plaque buildup and cavities.
Instead, opt for softer foods such as steamed vegetables as opposed to raw ones or chicken instead of a chewy steak. If you do choose something that has hard or crunchy ingredients, be sure to cut them into smaller pieces to keep your braces intact.
Quality Orthodontic Treatment in Lawrenceville and Loganville
At Koch Orthodontics, our patients are our top priority. We believe in providing genuine care and giving our patients the best service possible. Whether you have an orthodontic emergency or are ready to align your smile, our team is here to help.
To make an appointment with our orthodontic specialists, contact our office online or call us today at (770) 962-9560.