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If you’re currently rocking braces, you’re well on your way to a dazzling smile. According to Blome Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, oral hygiene should be your top priority while those wires and brackets work their magic. This family dentist has shared three basic dental care tips to keep in mind.

Brush More Often

Although brushing teeth twice a day is sufficient for most people, those with braces should brush after each meal or snack. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria get trapped easily within the brackets of your braces. If it’s not properly removed, this buildup can lead to dental issues, like cavities, bad breath, or inflamed gums.

Floss Daily & Thoroughly

family dentistSince plaque is more likely to build up on braces, flossing is more important than ever. This family dentist suggests that you floss at least once a day, preferably at night to remove the day’s bacteria. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to reach under the wires as well as between brackets.

Choose Dentist-Approved Foods

Be more mindful of the foods you eat while wearing braces. Try to stay away from ice and particularly hard foods like nuts, which can damage the apparatus. It’s also best to avoid sticky or chewy treats that can easily get stuck, like gum, dried fruit, corn on the cob, and taffy. It’s also important to protect the enamel of your tooth, so try to avoid highly acidic foods like tomatoes, soft drinks, and pineapple. Swap these snacks with low-acidic options like bananas or cucumbers.  

For more advice on how to care for your braces, talk to the team at Blome Family Dentistry. This family dentist works with patients of all ages. Whether you’re in need of orthodontic care, a tooth filling, or teeth whitening services, your smile is in skilled hands at this dental office. Schedule your appointment by giving them a call today at (402) 483-7000 or visiting their website.

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