Braces can turn out to be a big adjustment for anyone. As you get braces, going through daily brushing and flossing of your teeth can become challenging. Nonetheless, it is crucial to keep up with the daily oral care practices so you can prevent any case of gum disease or tooth decay. If you are uncertain of how to clean teeth with braces, knowledge of the right tools and techniques can help. To make it easier, here are some key considerations that can aid you in taking care of your teeth with braces.
The Necessity of Oral Hygiene with Braces
Braces create many small spaces that allow food and plaque to accumulate, and it becomes challenging to reach those spaces with regular brushing. This increases the risk of tooth decay, staining, and gum inflammation. That’s why it becomes essential to pay more attention to oral hygiene after getting braces.
With a regular oral care routine, you not only reduce the risks associated with food and plaque buildup but also increase the likelihood of successful orthodontic treatment by keeping your braces in optimal condition.
Tools Needed for Cleaning Teeth with Braces
Brushing teeth with braces is difficult, and you will not be able to achieve maximum results with regular techniques. To accomplish excellent oral hygiene, consider incorporating the following tools into your daily practice:
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: It helps gently remove plaque and debris from your teeth and braces without causing any discomfort.
- Interdental Brushes: These are small-sized brushes that efficiently reach the spaces between braces and teeth that regular toothbrushes may fail to reach.
- Floss Threader: Using a floss threader, you can guide dental floss under the archwire. It makes cleaning between teeth easier, even with braces on.
- Orthodontic Wax: Helpful with protecting your cheeks and gums from the irritation caused by brackets and wires during daily cleaning.
- Mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash reduces bacteria and keeps your breath fresh. It can also help with gum inflammation while providing an added layer of cleanliness.
- Water Flosser: This tool helps remove debris and plaque from even the most hard-to-reach areas of your braces and teeth.
- Orthodontic Toothpaste: The final tool needed in your arsenal will be an orthodontic toothpaste. Orthodontists recommend using a fluoride toothpaste specifically designed for braces and strengthening your tooth enamel.
Using these tools you can ensure to keep your teeth and gum in the best health while protecting them. While brushing teeth with braces takes effort, following through with routine care as per your orthodontist guidelines is necessary to achieve the best results.
Steps for Brushing Teeth with Braces
Now that you understand the tools needed for maintaining oral hygiene during your braces treatment, it is also important to learn the correct techniques. The risk of developing dental issues is higher while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Knowing how to wash your teeth with braces can lead to successful treatment and help prevent any further dental problems.
Rinse Your Mouth Before Brushing
It is common for food to get trapped between braces and teeth after eating, even if it’s just a small snack. Before you start brushing your teeth, be sure to remove any food particles to make the cleaning process easier. For this, rinsing your mouth multiple times is advisable as it helps flush away as many food particles as possible after each meal.
Brush Thoroughly
After rinsing your mouth, the next step is about brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, starting with the cleaning of the outer surfaces of your teeth. Be sure to focus on the areas above and below the brackets, ensuring that each tooth is cleaned. The brushing session should last for at least two minutes.
Clean Around Braces
Plaque can accumulate on your braces, but you can prevent this with regular brushing. To effectively clean under the wires and around the brackets, it’s helpful to use an interdental brush. This tool allows you to reach those difficult areas. Remember to be gentle while using it to avoid damaging your braces or causing irritation.
Use A Dental Floss Every Day
After brushing your teeth, you will need to use dental floss to clean the areas that the toothbrush can’t reach. For this, you can use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to help clean spaces between your teeth. Carefully guide the floss under the wire and between each pair of teeth. Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and debris. Flossing with braces may be more challenging, but with regular practice, it will become easier.
Use a Water Flosser
To remove stubborn food particles that stay stuck after you brush and floss, a water flosser can be very helpful. This approach requires you to aim the water stream along your gumline and between braces to wash away any remaining debris. This method can also prove beneficial for people who find it hard to use traditional flossing.
Rinse Your Mouth Again
After completing all the previous steps, it is time for a final rinse of your mouth. Flossing can sometimes leave behind debris that brushing might not remove. Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash for the final rinse will help eliminate this leftover debris, kill bacteria, and strengthen your enamel. This step is also beneficial for protecting your teeth and gums from potential infections.
How Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Can Help?
Maintaining oral hygiene with braces is easier with adequate knowledge and the right support. If you need any further guidance on how to brush teeth with braces, at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, you can get expert advice on cleaning techniques and specialized tools tailored to your needs. Our team ensures your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly while prioritizing your oral health.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean teeth with braces requires commitment and knowledge of the proper techniques. The use of specialized tools, proper brushing and flossing methods, and following a consistent care routine can prevent dental issues like cavities and gum disease in the long term. However, if you’re looking for a more personal expert orthodontic care, Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics can prove to be an excellent choice for personalized and effective treatment. So, take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile by contacting our team today.