How To Keep Teeth Clean With Braces
January 9, 2024 9:00 am
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straight, beautiful smile. But if you don’t take care of your smile throughout your orthodontic journey, you may be disappointed with the results when the braces come off. Follow these tips to keep your pearly whites clean and healthy while your braces work their magic.
Brush After Meals
Brushing your teeth while wearing braces can sometimes be a bit tricky thanks to all of the wires and brackets. When you brush your teeth with braces, first tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums. This gets the area around your gums nice and clean. Next, point the bristles down to scrub the top part of your brackets. Don’t forget the last step – flip your brush up to reach under each bracket. This way, you’ll make sure you’re getting rid of all the food bits and plaque hanging around your braces.
It’s critical to make sure that no food debris gets trapped in your braces, so brush thoroughly after every meal. We recommend carrying a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you to keep your smile squeaky clean even when you’re on the go.
Swish With Water
If you find yourself in a situation where brushing isn’t feasible, simply swish a cupful of water around your mouth. This will help loosen any lingering food particles after you eat. Rinse, spit, and repeat as needed!
Use The Right Tools
When it comes to cleaning your braces, using the proper tools can make things significantly easier. Floss threaders help you navigate around the wires and brackets with ease and reach all the nooks and crannies of your smile. Interdental brushes can also be incorporated into your daily routine for effective cleaning. Many people find water flossers to be very effective at keeping braces clean.
Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods
Be mindful of what you eat to maintain cleanliness and prevent damage to your braces. Avoid sticky, hard, or overly sugary foods that can get lodged in your braces or contribute to plaque buildup.
Visit Your Raytown, MO Family Dentist
Last, but certainly not least, schedule regular visits at SmileShack Dental and Braces! Routine cleanings and exams give us the opportunity to catch any issues early on and provide additional guidance on how to keep your smile healthy. Dr. Ballou and the team at SmileShack look forward to seeing you soon!
Categorised in: Oral Hygiene, Orthodontics