Starting braces is an exciting step toward a confident smile, but the process doesn’t stop when you leave the orthodontist’s chair. The team at Szymanowski Orthodontics in Sacramento, led by board-certified Dr. Damon, reminds patients that daily habits play a huge role in how smoothly treatment goes. Knowing how to care for braces in between appointments keeps your teeth healthy, prevents damage, and helps you stay on track for the best results.
Daily Cleaning Routine That Works with Braces
Brushing and flossing may feel different once braces are on, but the right steps make it manageable. Start with a rinse of water to loosen food particles. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, holding the brush at an angle to reach above, below, and around each bracket. Spend at least two full minutes brushing every surface.
Flossing is just as important. Standard floss can be tricky, so orthodontic flossers, threaders, or a water flosser can make the process easier. A quick mirror check at the end helps you catch anything you may have missed. Consistency is what prevents plaque buildup, white spots, and gum inflammation.
Tools That Make Cleaning Easier
Dr. Damon often recommends keeping a few extra tools on hand to make caring for braces simpler:
- Interdental brushes (proxabrushes): Great for cleaning between brackets and hard-to-reach spaces.
- Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers: Designed to slide floss under wires.
- Water flosser: A strong option for flushing out food debris.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Adds an extra layer of protection against plaque and bad breath.
Carrying a small travel kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss makes it easier to freshen up after meals, whether you are at school, work, or enjoying a weekend at the Sacramento Zoo.
Foods That Protect Your Braces
What you eat has a big impact on how well your braces stay intact. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can break brackets or bend wires, leading to extra visits. Dr. Damon suggests avoiding foods like caramel, popcorn, nuts, and hard candies. Instead, choose braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, smoothies, soft fruit, and cheese.
If you live near Midtown Sacramento and enjoy grabbing a bite from local cafés, remember to cut sandwiches or wraps into smaller bites to make chewing easier. The goal is not to restrict your diet completely but to make smart choices that keep braces safe.
How to Handle Soreness Between Visits
It is normal to feel some pressure or mild soreness, especially after an adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relief and rinsing with warm salt water can ease discomfort and reduce inflammation. Orthodontic wax is another tool to keep on hand. If a wire or bracket is rubbing your cheek or lips, applying wax provides quick relief until you return to the office.
You can also try eating softer foods like yogurt, pasta, or smoothies for the first day or two after adjustments. A cold compress or even sipping on cold water can help numb irritation and make your mouth feel more comfortable. If soreness lasts longer than a few days, it is a good idea to call Szymanowski Orthodontics for guidance.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters More During Braces
Plaque and food particles can easily hide around brackets and wires. Without proper care, this can lead to cavities, gum inflammation, or permanent stains on the teeth. The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing for cavity prevention. Braces make this step even more critical.
Dr. Damon and our team remind patients that every effort you put into cleaning your teeth now pays off when the braces come off and you see the final results.
Creating a Routine That Sticks
Developing habits early makes braces care second nature. Here are a few ways Sacramento families make the process easier:
- Set reminders on your phone to brush after meals.
- Use music or a timer to keep brushing for the full two minutes.
- Make it a family routine so kids with braces see parents modeling good habits.
Parents sometimes find it challenging to keep younger patients motivated. Visual aids like plaque-disclosing tablets can show missed spots in a helpful way. A favorite toothbrush or a fun app can also keep kids engaged.
Protect Your Braces During Activities
Sacramento offers plenty of ways to stay active, from soccer fields at Granite Regional Park to basketball courts in neighborhood schools. Active lifestyles are great, but braces need extra protection. A mouthguard during contact sports, plus simple daily awareness, helps prevent some of the most common problems.
Quick Do’s and Don’ts for Braces Protection
Do:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
- Use scissors or nail clippers instead of teeth for opening or trimming
- Carry orthodontic wax for comfort if something feels sharp
- Keep a small braces care kit in your backpack or gym bag
Don’t:
- Bite fingernails, chew on pens, or crunch ice
- Use your teeth to open packages or bottles
- Skip replacing a mouthguard once it wears down
- Ignore a broken wire or loose bracket; call the orthodontist
Let’s Keep Your Braces Working Their Best
Caring for your braces every day makes a big difference. The team at Szymanowski Orthodontics is always here to help. If you have a question about brushing, need extra supplies like wax, or notice something unusual with your braces, reach out before your next visit.
Call our Sacramento office today to schedule your next check-in with Dr. Damon and make sure your treatment stays right on track.
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Dr. Szymanowski