How To Maintain Teeth Hygiene While Wearing Braces?

Maintaining healthy oral hygiene while wearing braces can be tough. Braces are often necessary to straighten crooked teeth, but they require extra attention when it comes to cleaning and brushing. Read this article for tips on how to keep your mouth clean and healthy when you have braces.

Braces are a great way to improve the look of your smile and make sure that your teeth are properly aligned. However, with all the wires and brackets involved in wearing braces, maintaining good oral hygiene can become challenging – especially if you don’t take the right steps. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can stay on top of keeping your mouth clean while also ensuring that your braces remain in good condition.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing your teeth twice a day is important for overall oral hygiene, but it’s especially important when you have braces. Brackets and wires provide additional surfaces where food particles can get stuck, making it even more crucial to brush properly-otherwise plaque buildup can occur quite quickly.

Brushing

Brushing with braces requires a slightly different technique than without them. Start by brushing the gums around the brackets of your braces first and then carefully clean between each bracket using an interdental brush or a floss threader. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush in small circles around each wire before moving on to the next one. Pay extra attention to the gumline and make sure you brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

Flossing

Flossing with braces is similarly a little different than without-you’ll need to use an orthodontic floss threader or special dental flossers designed for people with braces. Start by threading the floss under the wire, then slide it up and down between two teeth cleaning both above and below the gum line. Make sure to be gentle and take your time when flossing around the bracket-too much pressure can cause damage.

Brushing After Eating

If you have braces, you should make it a point to brush after every meal or snack. Brackets and wires make it much easier for food particles to get caught in the cracks-by brushing right away, you can help prevent plaque buildup and reduce your risk of developing cavities.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy oral hygiene while wearing braces isn’t difficult if you follow the right steps. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and brushing after every meal are all essential to keeping your mouth clean and ensuring that your braces stay in good condition. Furthermore, be sure to visit your orthodontist regularly for checkups so they can monitor the progress of your treatment.

FAQs

1. How often should I brush my teeth when I have braces?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and after every meal if possible. Brushing helps to remove food particles that can get stuck in the brackets and wires of your braces, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities.

2. Is it necessary to floss when I have braces?

Yes, it is important to floss regularly with braces as well in order to keep your mouth clean and reduce your risk of developing cavities or gum disease. Specialized tools like orthodontic floss threaders or dental flossers make it easier to get between teeth and around the brackets.

3. Are there any special toothpaste for people with braces?

Yes, some toothpaste are specifically designed for people with braces. These toothpaste often have ingredients that help to reduce staining and keep the brackets and wires of your braces in good condition. Speak to your dentist or orthodontist about which toothpaste is best for you.