How Can I Care for My Braces as a Working Adult?

Traditional braces are a tried and proven way to treat misalignments in a smile, but they require no small amount of effort on the patient’s part. A wearer of braces will have to keep the appliance and their teeth clean while avoiding chewy, crunchy, or sugary foods to keep their treatment on track and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. While the results are well worth it, it can take a bit of planning to keep your treatment on track while you’re on the job.

Put Together a Braces Care Kit

You’ll still need to take proper care of your braces when you’re at work, and putting together a braces care kit is a great way to make this task much easier. Start with a small satchel and load it up with orthodontic care supplies like:

• A toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Floss threaders
• Travel-sized mouthwash
• Non-aspirin pain relievers
• Dental wax
• Chapstick

This kit will come in handy when you need to clean your teeth after meals or snacks, and it can also help keep you comfortable if you’ve recently had your braces tightened or if a wire or bracket is poking into your cheek.

Carry a Water Bottle

Water is the best beverage for your oral health, and that’s not just because it’s completely free of sugars and acids. It also helps wash food debris and sugary residues away from the teeth and keeps the body hydrated enough to produce ample amounts of saliva. Saliva plays a crucial role in preserving your oral health because it helps wash the teeth clean, keeps them lubricated to prevent injury, and reinforces their enamel by depositing minerals.

Don’t Idly Chew on Objects

Office environments are often full of paperclips, pencils, and other utensils that many people enjoy chewing on out of boredom. Chewing on non-food objects is a horrible habit even if you aren’t wearing braces because it can chip enamel and even lead to broken teeth. This habit presents unique issues for people wearing braces, as it can cause wires to bend and break or brackets to separate from the teeth.

One of the best tips for wearing braces at work is to smile and be confident. By tending to your orthodontic treatment now, you can secure the best possible result in the future.

About the Author

Dr. Ronni Bruck earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed her orthodontic residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York. She is proud to be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Her office in Coatesville, PA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as orthodontic services. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, contact her office online or dial (610) 383-1600.