The Right Way to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be challenging with braces, but it is crucial for ensuring the health of your teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic treatment. Proper cleaning techniques help prevent common issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and decalcification (white spots on teeth). Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean your teeth while wearing braces.
1. Use the Right Tools
To start, equip yourself with the appropriate dental tools. These include:
Soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a specialized orthodontic head can effectively clean around the braces and teeth.
Interdental brushes: These small, tree-shaped brushes can reach between the braces and under the wires, places a regular toothbrush might miss.
Floss threaders or orthodontic floss: Special floss designed for braces or floss threaders can help you thread floss between your teeth and under the main wire.
Water flosser: A water flosser can help dislodge food particles and plaque from around your braces and teeth.
Antibacterial mouthwash: This can help reduce the risk of gum disease and provide an additional layer of cleaning.
2. Brushing Technique
Brushing your teeth with dental braces in St Albans requires a slightly different technique to ensure all surfaces are cleaned.
Start with rinsing: Begin by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food particles stuck in your braces.
Positioning your toothbrush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush in small, circular motions. Focus on the gum line, the brackets, and the wires.
Top of the brackets: Tilt your toothbrush down to brush the tops of the brackets.
Bottom of the brackets: Tilt your toothbrush up to clean the bottom of the brackets.
Two minutes of brushing: Spend at least two minutes brushing, making sure to cover all areas of your mouth thoroughly.
Don’t forget your tongue: Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
3. Flossing with Braces
Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles between your teeth.
Using a floss threader: Take a piece of floss and thread it through the floss threader. Gently guide the threader under the wire of your braces, then floss between your teeth as usual. Repeat this process for each tooth.
Orthodontic flossers: These are designed specifically for braces and can simplify the process of flossing under the wires.
Water flosser: If traditional flossing is too challenging, a water flosser can be a great alternative. Aim the stream of water at the gum line and around the brackets to remove debris.
4. Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes can reach areas that your regular toothbrush might miss. Use these brushes to clean between the braces and the teeth. Gently insert the brush between your braces and teeth, moving it back and forth to remove plaque and food particles.
5. Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular visits to your dentist in St Albans and orthodontist are crucial while you have braces. These professionals can spot potential issues early and provide professional cleanings that are more thorough than home care alone. Your orthodontist can also adjust your braces and ensure they are functioning correctly.
6. Diet Considerations
What you eat can significantly impact your oral hygiene with braces. Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods that can get stuck in your braces or cause damage. Sugary foods and drinks should be limited to prevent tooth decay. Opt for braces-friendly foods like yogurt, soft fruits, steamed vegetables, and cut-up pieces of meat.
7. Using Mouthwash
Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to help control plaque and prevent gingivitis. Choose a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.
8. Emergency Care
Be prepared for any braces-related emergencies. If a wire breaks or a bracket comes loose, contact your orthodontist immediately. Meanwhile, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp ends and prevent discomfort.
9. Additional Tips
Orthodontic wax: Use orthodontic wax to cover any protruding brackets or wires to prevent them from irritating your gums and cheeks.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to wash away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated.
Avoid chewing on non-food items: Habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens can damage your braces.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces takes extra effort, but it is essential for ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy during your orthodontic treatment. By following these guidelines, you can keep your smile bright and beautiful throughout the process.