How to Keep Teeth With Braces Clean
Maintaining good dental hygiene can be challenging when you have braces. The brackets and wires can trap food particles and make brushing and flossing more difficult. However, keeping your teeth and braces clean is essential for avoiding cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. In this guide, we’ll cover effective braces cleaning techniques and tips for maintaining excellent orthodontic care.
Why Dental Hygiene Is Crucial with Braces
Braces create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate. If not properly cleaned, this buildup can lead to various dental problems such as:
- Cavities: Food particles trapped between brackets and wires can lead to tooth decay.
- Gum Disease: Plaque buildup can cause gingivitis, which may progress to more severe gum disease if not addressed.
- White Spots: Poor hygiene can result in demineralization, leading to white spots on your teeth.
- Bad Breath: Accumulated food particles and bacteria can cause unpleasant breath.
Good dental hygiene is essential for avoiding these issues and ensuring that your teeth are healthy when your braces come off.
Essential Braces Cleaning Techniques
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing is the cornerstone of dental hygiene, especially with braces. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use the Right Toothbrush: Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush designed for braces. Electric toothbrushes can also be very effective.
- Brush at the Correct Angle: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush both above and below the brackets, and don’t forget to clean the chewing surfaces and the back of your teeth.
- Be Thorough and Gentle: Brush for at least two minutes, taking care to clean every tooth and brace component. Avoid brushing too hard to prevent damage to your braces and gums.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Make sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline. Here’s how to floss with braces:
- Use a Floss Threader: A floss threader is a small, plastic tool that helps you get dental floss under the wires of your braces.
- Choose the Right Floss: Waxed floss is less likely to get caught on your braces compared to unwaxed floss.
- Be Gentle: Slide the floss between your teeth and under the wires. Move it up and down gently along the sides of each tooth. Avoid snapping the floss, as this can damage your gums.
- Consider Alternatives: If traditional flossing is too challenging, consider using an interdental brush or a water flosser. These tools can effectively clean between your teeth and around braces.
Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride and is designed to fight plaque. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to ensure thorough cleaning.
Additional Tips for Orthodontic Care
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to your dentist and orthodontist are crucial when you have braces. Your dentist can perform professional cleanings and check for any dental issues, while your orthodontist will ensure that your braces are functioning correctly and making progress.
Eating a Braces-Friendly Diet
Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck in them, making cleaning more difficult. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as:
- Hard candies
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Caramel
Instead, opt for softer foods that are less likely to cause problems, such as:
- Yogurt
- Soft fruits
- Cooked vegetables
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
Using Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax can help protect your gums and the inside of your cheeks from irritation caused by braces. Apply a small amount of wax over any brackets or wires that are causing discomfort.
Drinking Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is good for your overall health and can help keep your mouth clean. Drinking water can wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Dealing with Sore Teeth and Gums
It’s common to experience some discomfort when you first get braces or after adjustments. To alleviate soreness:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
- Stick to soft foods for a few days.
Managing Loose Brackets or Wires
If a bracket or wire becomes loose, it’s important to address it promptly:
- Apply orthodontic wax to the affected area to reduce irritation.
- Contact your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods that could cause further damage.
Keeping Up with Oral Hygiene on the Go
When you’re away from home, maintaining your dental hygiene can be challenging. Here are some tips for keeping your teeth clean on the go:
- Carry a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you.
- Use disposable floss picks or an interdental brush for quick cleanings.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating if you can’t brush immediately.
Keep Them Clean!
Keeping your teeth clean with braces requires some extra effort, but it’s well worth it for a healthy, beautiful smile. By following these braces cleaning techniques and orthodontic care tips, you can maintain excellent dental hygiene and ensure that your teeth stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Remember to brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash, and visit your dentist and orthodontist for regular checkups. With the right care and attention, you can keep your teeth and braces clean and enjoy the best possible outcome from your orthodontic treatment.