Obtaining braces is a main step toward attaining a linear, healthy smile. Once the brackets and wires are stable on your teeth, taking care of them requires some adjustments. Cleaning your teeth with braces is not as effective as it was before because food can easily get stuck in the small areas. This signifies that you need to be more attentive with your daily oral cleanliness routine.
If not, plaque can build up quickly and cause issues, such as dental holes, gum infection, or bad breath. Further, understanding how to clean teeth with braces is essential. You can protect the cleanliness of your teeth and braces during therapy by utilizing the right tools, adequate techniques, and developing useful habits.
Why You Need to Be Extra Careful?
Braces are great for connecting crooked teeth, but make brushing and flossing harder. Food pieces and plaque often adhere to the brackets and wires; if they’re not removed completely, they can damage your teeth. That’s why it’s remarkable to keep good dental hygiene for your braces every day. Moreover, cleaning your teeth perfectly can lead to white spots, which denote the failure of the enamel.
How to Brush the Right Way?
Let’s begin with brushing. It’s one of the most notable parts of your oral care routine for braces. Before you even start brushing, wash your mouth with water. This will assist in loosening any food adhering between your braces and make brushing easier.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric one if you prefer.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and the best tip is to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle.
- You can start brushing along the gum line, then move to the top of the brackets, and eventually brush underneath the brackets and along the wires. Because these are all areas where food and plaque love to hide.
- Give it some time. Make sure to brush each tooth slowly to make all areas clean.
- Dentists suggest brushing after every meal and food item, which should take at least two minutes.
Moreover, because braces cause toothbrush bristles to deteriorate more swiftly, you need to change your toothbrush more frequently. An interdental brush is a great tool for places that are tough to access. This is one of the best brushing techniques for braces that many dentists suggest.
Why Flossing Is Still Important?
Flossing with braces might seem difficult, but it is achievable with some extra effort. The most effective way to floss while wearing braces is by using a floss threader or a similar hand tool. This tool helps you maneuver the floss under the wire, allowing you to clean between your teeth effectively. Though it may take some time to get used to, it’s important not to skip this step.
If flossing seems too demanding or takes too long, consider employing a water flosser. It removes plaque and remaining food with a mild spray of water. For those wearing braces, it is swift, simple, and efficient. Daily flossing, especially at night, is recommended, similar to brushing.
Extra Help With a Water Jet
A water jet or oral irrigator is another useful device for daily braces care. After you brush and floss, a water jet can clean out any last bits of meal that adhere around your braces or between your teeth. You can even add a small antiseptic wash to the water if your gums feel sore or inflamed.
This is a great phase for keeping braces clean, particularly when you want to go the extra mile. Many orthodontists suggest using a water jet regularly, especially during orthodontic therapy.
The Importance of Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash with braces is another wise step. Mouthwash helps rinse away food pieces, freshens your breath, and fights bacteria that cause tooth decay. Select a fluoride mouthwash for more protection, especially against dental cavities.
Mouthwash should be taken after brushing and flossing. For about 30 seconds, try moving it around in your oral cavity. If your dental surgeon accepts, you can even use it a few times a day. However, brushing and flossing should always be done before using mouthwash. It’s only a second line of protection in your routine.
Don’t Forget About Your Retainer
If you wear a removable retainer, keeping it clean is also necessary. Like your teeth, your retainer can contain bacteria. Also, whenever you’re not wearing it, soak it in mouthwash or a specific retainer cleaner to keep it fresh. Wash your retainer before putting it back in your oral cavity, and clean it regularly. This is one of the great oral hygiene tips that many people ignore, but it makes a big difference.
Eat Smart for Better Dental Health
What you eat also influences your dental hygiene while wearing braces. Sticky, crunchy, or hard foods can damage your brackets or get stuck between them. Sugary drinks and snacks lead to tooth loss much more rapidly when you have braces.
After meals, wash your mouth with water and eat softer foods. Avoid citrus fruits and sodas in favor of tooth-friendly foods such as yogurt or bananas. A braces-friendly diet will help you keep your teeth safe during dental treatment and make cleaning quicker.
Invisalign: A Cleaner Option?
Many people prefer Invisalign instead of metal braces. These clear plastic aligners slowly move teeth into place. The fact that Invisalign may be removed is an excellent benefit. That indicates you can take them out to brush and floss, making cleaning teeth with braces easier.
While not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, it’s worth asking your dental specialist if it’s an option. It can be a great alternative for those with completely developed molars and who want a cleaner, more flexible therapy.
Why Choose Gentle Teeth & Braces Dentistry?
At Gentle Teeth & Braces Dentistry, we aim to provide comprehensive dental care for families, including extended evening and weekend hours. Our expert orthodontists are trained in advanced dental procedures and techniques, enabling our patients to benefit from the latest braces and teeth cleaning advancements.
At Gentle Teeth & Braces Dentistry, our top priority is ensuring patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their time with us. We have expanded our services to include all phases of dentistry for patients of all ages.
Our skilled dentists treat and educate our patients, helping them maintain their health between visits. We provide solutions that enhance their health while transferring their smiles into something bright and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
In summary, you know exactly how to clean the teeth with braces, and it’s really all about being consistent. Braces do require more care, but with the proper tools and habits, it’s not too hard to keep your oral cavity clean.
Always remind yourself to brush after every meal, floss every day, use a water jet if you can, and don’t skip mouthwash. Adhere to an easy oral care routine for braces that functions for you. So, try your best to prevent food items that make cleaning tougher.
With these easy steps, you’ll keep your braces in great shape and your smile bright and strong. And once those braces go over, all your hard work will be value it. Your clean, shining smile will say it all.
