Brushing your teeth with braces is quite similar to brushing without them. However, if you have braces on, you have to be prepared to spend more time on oral care. If it’s possible, your Dallas dentist encourages you to brush after every meal to remove loose food caught between your wires and brackets.
Don’t worry, all that extra time you spend on oral hygiene will be worth it! Failing to pay extra attention to your oral health while your teeth are being realigned will increase your risk of gum disease.
Here are some tips.
1. Make it a routine. It can be quite easy to miss buildup on your teeth when you have braces on. To decrease the likelihood that food particles and plaque will linger on your teeth and cause future concerns, do not forget to brush your teeth after every meal. If it’s not possible, rinse your mouth with water.
2. Have your tools handy. This will make cleaning your teeth easier. Before you brush, make sure that you have the following at your fingertips:
- Nonabrasive toothpaste
- Cup
- Floss or a water flosser
- Mouthwash
- Interdental brush
- Mirror
- Mouthwash
3. Swish. Rinse your mouth with water, then swish the water around your mouth to loosen large food particles. Next, take out any removable orthodontic pieces like elastics and put them in a safe place.
4. Time for brushing. Rinse your toothbrush and put a small amount of toothpaste. Hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle while brushing gently along the gum line. Next, brush the tops of your brackets, then reposition your toothbrush so you can brush under the wire and brackets. Finally, brush the inner surfaces of your teeth.
5. Floss. This will be quite challenging if you have braces, but do not miss this important step. Maneuver the floss around your braces, then move it against your gums and teeth. You can also use a water flosser to help remove debris from tight spots in between your teeth.
6. Rinse and check. It’s time to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to eradicate lingering food particles, eliminate germs, and freshen your breath. Afterwards, take a few minutes to check your work. Once you are satisfied, replace any removable orthodontic appliances.
Knowing how to brush your teeth with braces is important to avoid stains, tartar buildup, and cavities. If you are struggling about brushing your teeth, don’t forget to ask us for advice during your next visit!
Sources:
“How to Brush Your Teeth and Floss with Braces,” OralB, https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/how-to-brush-teeth-floss-with-braces/
“How To Brush Teeth With Braces,” Colgate, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/how-to-brush-teeth-with-braces-0513
