Three tips for caring for your braces

When you have braces, keeping up with good dental hygiene is incredibly important. Beyond regular flossing and brushing, there are other things you should keep in mind to make sure you smile stays healthy and bright. Here are three tips to help you care for your braces.

1. Use fluoride toothpaste

One of the dangers of braces is that food and plaque can build up and cause decalcification, which can lead to cavities and white spots, according to BracesGuide.com. In order to avoid this damage, you should make sure to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing.

2. Eat softer foods

While you don't need to shift your entire diet, ColgateProfessional.com recommends sticking with certain foods whenever possible to protect your teeth. Foods that have high acid levels like citrus fruits, pickles, tomatoes, salad dressings and soft drinks can damage your enamel.

3. Brush individual teeth

When you're trying to work around your braces, it can be difficult to get to some places with standard brushing techniques. Because of this, OralB.com suggests focusing on each tooth individually to make sure you remove all food and plaque.