How to take care of your teeth with braces

 Braces are orthodontic apparatus used to help fix crooked and crowded teeth.

While modern braces can be comfortable and inconspicuous, you may have to take extra steps to care for your teeth when wearing them.

It’s important that you continue good oral hygiene practices while wearing braces.

You need to continue brushing regularly, following the approach suggested by your dentist, as well as flossing daily and making regular visits to the dentist.

People with braces should stick to a balanced diet and limit the number of snacks between meals.

Your dentist may suggest that you avoid certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires. This can include nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods such as chewing gum or caramel.

You can still continue to enjoy sports and other activities but a protective mouth guard is often recommended to reduce the risk of injury to the mouth or jaw. Your dentist will suggest an appropriate mouth guard when the braces are in place.

Braces can make a big difference to your smile and your future dental health. Modern technology and following good practices means you should be able to wear them with comfort and confidence.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Dental Problems

 Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Neglecting your dental health can lead to more severe issues, including tooth loss and even systemic health problems like heart disease. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent dental problems and keep your smile healthy. Here are five tips to get you started:

1. Brush Twice a Day: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent dental problems. It helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
2. Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing daily can help prevent gum disease and cavities in those hard-to-reach areas.
3. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay. When bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, they produce acid that erodes your tooth enamel. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can help prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy.
4. Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps keep your mouth hydrated and reduces the risk of bad breath.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial to maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can detect early signs of dental problems and provide treatment before they become more severe.

In conclusion, preventing dental problems is easier than treating them. By following these simple steps, you can maintain good oral health and keep your smile healthy for years to come. So, start taking care of your teeth today and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile!

Tips for people with difficulty handling a toothbrush

 There are many people who find it difficult to look after their dental health properly because they have problems handling a toothbrush.

This can be due to a severe physical disability or simply basic dexterity problems.

There are a few simple steps you can take to make it easier for people who find it difficult to hold on to a toothbrush or dental floss.

Here are some simple ‘home remedies’:

– Use a wide elastic band to attach the brush to the hand

– Enlarge the brush handle with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle handle grip

– Wind an elastic bandage or adhesive tape around the handle

– Lengthen the handle with a piece of wood or plastic such as a ruler, popsicle stick or tongue depressor

– Tie floss into a loop for easier handling

– Use an electric toothbrush or commercial floss holder

Your dentist will be able to provide specific guidance and further tips for people who need an easier way to handle a toothbrush and floss.