Caring for Your Braces at Home

Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin

Young girl with braces brushing her teeth

There are rules you need to follow if you want to have perfectly even-spaced and straight teeth. While our dentists can help you take care of your braces in our office, you need to do your part. The healthier your teeth are, the more likely you are to emerge from braces without gum disease or tooth decay.

Watch What You Eat

One of the easiest ways to help your teeth while wearing braces is to make sure all of the food you eat is safe for people who wear braces. Do not eat foods that are hard to chew, such as fruits and vegetables. You can still eat raw fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, but you need to cut them into small pieces.

You also want to avoid sticky foods, such as caramel and gum, because not only will they stick to your braces, but they will attract bacteria as well. That bacteria is the cause of gum disease and cavities.

Good Hygiene

Caring for your braces at home means you should floss and brush your teeth after meals and snacks. Brush gently but thoroughly, and make sure you use floss threaders to floss your teeth as well. You may also want to rinse your mouth with mouthwash each evening before you go to bed and each morning when you wake up because the mouthwash helps to kill bacteria.

Dental Wax Is Your Friend

When you get a care kit from our dentist or your orthodontist, there will be dental wax in the kit. Dental wax has several great uses for people who wear braces. First, if one of your brackets or wires is poking your cheek or gum, dental wax can be used to soften the edge and stop the pain until you can get to the dentist. Also, if you have a wire or a bracket that comes loose, you can keep them in place with dental wax. Be sure to ask for more dental wax when you run out.

If you need more information on your dental health with braces, why not give us a call today? We can help make you an appointment with one of our dentists.

Raptou Family icon quote left at double resolution

Dr. Raptou and his staff are simply amazing! I have been to many, many dentists over the years and none have come close to providing the excellent care and professional service I experienced with Dr. Raptou and his team! I am one of those people who has always had a major fear of going to the dentist, but not any more thanks to Dr. Raptou!

Raptou Family icon quote right at double resolution

Expect Something Different

We are passionate about creating smiles with life-changing results.
Our dentists in Columbus, OH believe that continuing education is a natural extension of our desire to provide patients with the best that dental care can offer while maintaining an edge of excellence in our practice.

Learn MoreAbout Dr. NicholasDentist in Columbus OH Learn MoreAbout Dr. IsaacDentist in Columbus OH

Dr. Nicholas Raptou and son Dr. Isaac Raptou, dentists in Columbus, OH.

We recognize that all patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care tailored to their individual needs.

Our talented dental team continually strives to provide each patient with a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding experience in our Columbus dentist office.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Learn MoreAbout Our Dental Team

Contact Raptou Family Dental Today

Our Columbus dentists are the first step to a healthier, happier you!

BookOnline
Download YourNew Patient Forms

Give Us a Call
(614) 427-0449

Raptou Family button for social location at double resolution

136 Northwoods Blvd STE A1
Columbus, OH 43235-4728

Image of text - No dental insurance? Click to get preventive dental care for a low monthly fee.

Dental Blog - Columbus, OH • Raptou Family Dental
We provide Columbus with comprehensive general & family dentistry with an emphasis on individualized care, prevention, & cosmetic enhancements. Visit our Blog!
Raptou Family Dental, 136 Northwoods Blvd, STE A1, Columbus, OH 43235 / (614) 427-0449 / raptou.com / 2/12/2026 / Related Terms: Dentist Columbus OH /