Cleaning Tips: With braces, it is more important than ever to keep your teeth and gums their healthiest. Braces and other orthodontic appliances create more opportunities for food particles and bacteria to collect and thrive. Getting braces requires adopting a new oral hygiene routine and good habits that promote the healthiest environment for your teeth and gums. Fortunately, we have some great cleaning tips for braces.
Cleaning Tips
When you have braces you must be diligent in cleaning your teeth to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and decay. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you’ll experience better results and reduced treatment time. Read these tips to help you keep your teeth and braces their cleanest.
- Take it one tooth at a time. Spend at least 10 seconds of brushing on each of your teeth. Make sure to pay close attention to the front side (bracket side) of your teeth, the back of your teeth as well as the chewing surfaces.
- Remember your angles. It is important for gum health to brush the top teeth with your brush angled down and the bottom teeth with your brush angled up. This will keep loose food particles from your teeth and gums and optimize your gum health.
- Always be prepared. To make sure you are taking the best care of your teeth with braces, it is imperative to take a toothbrush and toothpaste with you wherever you go. Having your toothbrush with you will allow you to remove sticky food particles after eating in a timely manner which helps avoid plaque build-up.
- Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash at least once a day.
- Floss, floss and floss. Floss your teeth once a day. This is one of the most important cleaning exercises you can do to help prevent gum disease. Flossing will help prevent plaque from building in between your teeth thus reducing your risk of decay. Flossing also helps reduce bad breath.
- See your dentist twice a year. It is your job to clean your teeth every day. Visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.
Stay on Top of Dietary Choices
When wearing braces, be mindful of what you eat. Sticky, sugary, and hard foods can damage braces and contribute to plaque buildup. Avoid chewing gum, eating candy, and biting into hard foods like apples and nuts. Instead, opt for softer foods and cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces to reduce the risk of damaging your braces. Keeping a diet that is both braces-friendly and nutritious will support overall dental health and enhance the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.
Use Orthodontic-Specific Tools
In addition to a regular toothbrush and toothpaste, consider investing in orthodontic cleaning aids such as interdental brushes, orthodontic floss threaders, or water flossers. These tools can help reach areas around braces that are difficult to clean with a standard toothbrush. Water flossers are particularly effective at flushing out food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach spots, while floss threaders can help ensure that you’re cleaning between your teeth effectively.
Be Consistent with Your Routine
Develop a daily cleaning routine that you can stick to consistently. Establish specific times for brushing and flossing, ideally after every meal and before bed. Set reminders if needed, and make sure you’re thorough with your cleaning process. Consistency is key to preventing issues such as plaque buildup and gum disease, which can complicate your orthodontic treatment and extend the time you need to wear braces.
Monitor Your Oral Health
Pay attention to changes in your oral health throughout your treatment. If you notice any signs of gum irritation, persistent bad breath, or unusual discomfort, contact your orthodontist or dentist promptly. Regular check-ups will allow your dental professionals to address any issues early on and ensure that your braces are functioning correctly. Monitoring your oral health and seeking professional advice when needed will help you maintain a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey.
Cleaning Tips: How We Can Help
At Hooper General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are pleased to provide individualized, caring service because we know that every person and every smile is unique. If you are interested in a beautiful, healthy smile and would like to know if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, please request an appointment with us today.
