There are plenty of myths floating around about braces, but some are downright silly – like the notion that they make it impossible to kiss your partner or have a successful dating life! While they do make some things challenging, and while there are some considerations you’ll want to take, having braces will not negatively impact your romantic life. Continue reading to learn four useful tips for ensuring that, as you date and/or kiss your partner, your braces don’t cause any issues for either of you.
#1. Always Brush and Floss Beforehand
When you wear braces, oral hygiene matters more than ever before. It’s particularly easy for food particles to become trapped under your brackets and wires, which isn’t just a cavity risk – it can also create a foul taste in your mouth that grosses out your partner! Cavities can also set your treatment back, so they should be avoided at all costs. Aim to always brush and floss after each meal, and especially before any dates or quality time with your partner; the less food debris in your braces, the less likely you’ll suffer a cavity or off-putting dental issue, period.
#2. Drink Plenty of Water
It goes without saying that water is the best beverage for your body, but did you know that it’s also the absolute best thing you can drink for your oral health, especially if you have braces? It stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which helps you fight cavity-causing bacteria – and if you’re in between brushing sessions, the act of drinking water can serve to rinse out your mouth, clearing away these bacteria and freshening your breath. Needless to say, this can make kissing infinitely more pleasant!
#3. Avoid Pungent Foods
Braces are notorious for coming with a long list of dietary restrictions – mainly, any items that are too hard or crunchy that they might damage braces, so they’re off limits. Other sticky or chewy foods and snacks are also discouraged. However, you’ll also want to steer clear of any particular pungent or odorous foods. While items like onions, garlic, and cheese won’t necessarily harm your braces, they will cause bad breath, so try to opt for meals with ingredients that aren’t quite so polarizing. No matter what you eat, be sure to brush afterwards!
#4. Use Dental Wax (If Needed)
Braces also have a tendency to irritate your lips or the insides of your cheeks due to the edges of the brackets and the wires. However, dental wax is an excellent counter to this – this small, moldable solution can easily protect the soft tissues of your mouth from your braces. Likewise, it can also ensure that your partner isn’t being harmed by your braces.
Your journey to a straighter smile doesn’t mean you have to put your romantic life on hold; dating and kissing with braces can be made to be completely seamless by following these tips!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Grafton has proudly served the needs of patients and families in North Grafton and the surrounding area, offering a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 812-4396.