What Teens Should Know About Braces and Oral Hygiene

Braces are common for many teens, but keeping your teeth and gums healthy while wearing them takes extra care. As your trusted dentist in West End we believe in educating our teen patients and their families on how to maintain great oral hygiene with braces. If you’re a teen or a parent navigating this stage, here’s what you need to know.

1. Brushing & Flossing With Braces: Why It’s Extra Important

Braces create lots of small spaces that can trap food particles and plaque. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even stains on the teeth when the braces come off.

2. Avoid These Foods While Wearing Braces

Some snacks and foods can damage braces, leading to emergency visits or prolonged treatment time.

Avoid:

Sticky candy (like caramel or gum)

Hard foods (popcorn, nuts, ice)

Chewy foods (bagels, hard bread crusts)

Biting directly into fruits like apples or raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)

3. Regular Checkups with Your Orthodontist and Dentist

Even with braces, routine dental checkups are still necessary. Your orthodontist adjusts the braces, but your general dentist makes sure your teeth and gums stay healthy underneath.

As a top-rated dentist in West End, we make dental visits easy and comfortable for our young patients.

4. Mouth guards for Sports

If you’re active in sports, protect your braces (and your mouth!) with a custom mouth guard. Braces can cause more damage to soft tissues like lips and cheeks during impact, so prevention is key.

At Sparkling White Dental, we specialize in caring for teens during every phase of their dental journey—from routine cleanings to support during orthodontic treatment. If you or your teen have questions about oral hygiene with braces, our friendly and experienced team is here to help.


📍 Visit us today or schedule an appointment with the best dentist in West End! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dental Care for Kids: How to Teach Your Children Healthy Oral Habits

  As parents, one of the most important things we can do for our children’s health is to teach them healthy habits early on. This includes taking care of their teeth. Good oral hygiene from a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At  Sparkling White Dental , your trusted  dentist in West End , we believe that instilling proper dental habits in kids is crucial for their long-term oral health. Here are some expert tips to help guide you in teaching your children the importance of dental care. 1. Start Early: Make Brushing Fun It’s never too early to start practicing good dental hygiene. Even before your child has teeth, gently wipe their gums with a soft, damp cloth to remove bacteria and food particles. Once their first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to help protect those first teeth from decay. Fun, engaging activities will help them look for...
Read more

How to Prevent Cavities: Tips from Dentist of West Ends

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are one of the most common dental problems people face, but the good news is they are entirely preventable!   Dentist in West End   believes that prevention is the key to maintaining optimal oral health. Whether you live in West End or nearby, taking steps to protect your teeth can save you from painful cavities and costly dental procedures down the road. Here are some effective tips to help prevent cavities and keep your smile sparkling white! 1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth — front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. 2. Floss Daily to ...
Read more