Oral issues such as overcrowding and misalignment are commonly treated by your orthodontist with braces. Braces are often worn by patients for one to two years or longer in some cases. During this time, you will need to take special steps to keep your teeth clean. It’s no secret that teeth can easily develop cavities, staining, or discoloration. When you have braces, cleaning your teeth can require extra time and care. However, your effort to do so will ensure that you have a beautifully and healthy smile once the braces are removed.
Tips for Brushing Your Teeth with Braces
Rinse Your Mouth
Before you begin brushing, rinse with water to dislodge as much food as possible. If those sneaky little food bits hide in your mouth for very long, they’ll turn into plaque. And plaque is a sign of a very unhappy mouth.
Brush Your Teeth at Different Angles
The brackets and wires in your braces can make it difficult to reach all surfaces of your teeth with your toothbrush. That’s why we recommend brushing the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down. Brushing at a 45-degree angle along all surfaces of your teeth will help remove bacteria. To brush the bottom of your teeth, we recommend angling the brush upwards. Try using pointy brushes, aka interproximal brushes, to reach the tiny spots around braces.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash
Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a cavity-fighting ingredient that will help keep your teeth clean with braces.
Tips for Flossing with Braces
Flossing is important when you wear braces because food may be more likely to get stuck in your teeth or around the brackets and wires, and it should ideally be completed each time you brush your teeth.
Use a Floss Threader
You can use a floss threader as well as a soft pick to get into the areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. You may find it difficult to floss with braces at first, but rest assured that this process will become easier with practice. It is wise to follow up your flossing activity with an oral mouth rinse.
Keep Your Teeth Clean with Wonder West Orthodontics
Because food can be trapped in your brackets and wires as well as in between your teeth after every meal, consider bringing a toothbrush and floss with you throughout the day. You can easily take a few minutes to brush and floss after every meal.
Wonder West Orthodontics can provide you with additional cleaning instructions as needed. While it can take time and effort to keep your teeth clean when wearing braces, the result of this effort will be a beautiful smile with straight, healthy teeth.