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Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth and improve your smile.
While braces can work wonders for your dental health in the long run, they also require extra care to maintain proper oral hygiene during the treatment period. Neglecting oral hygiene when you have braces can lead to various dental issues.
1. Brushing Techniques
Brushing your teeth properly is the foundation of good oral hygiene, especially when you have braces. Here are some tips for effective brushing:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush: A soft-bristle toothbrush is gentle on your braces and won’t cause damage. Replace it regularly to ensure it remains effective.
- Angle the brush: Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently along the gum line and between the wires and brackets.
- Brush the brackets: Take extra care to brush around each bracket, as food particles tend to accumulate there. Use a circular motion to clean all surfaces thoroughly.
- Interdental brushes: Consider using interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between the wires and teeth. This will help remove plaque and food particles that regular brushing may miss.
2. Flossing
Flossing becomes a bit more challenging with braces, but it’s crucial to maintain healthy gums and prevent cavities. Here’s how to floss effectively:
- Use waxed floss: Waxed floss is less likely to shred or get caught on your braces. Thread it under the wire and carefully floss between your teeth.
- Floss threaders: These handy tools can help you get the floss between your teeth and under the wires more easily.
- Water flosser: A water flosser can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, as it can help flush out food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach places.
3. Use Special Orthodontic Tooth Brush
Special Ortho Toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth with and around orthodontic appliances and braces. Ideal for cleaning the narrow spaces between teeth and gums, this toothbrush from Ortho features floss-tip bristles that are 17 times thinner at the tip. A toothbrush with tapered bristles is more effective and provides a superior mouth feel. Central bristles designed to keep the gates and corners of the brackets clean by providing micromesh cleaning with bristle ends measuring 0.1mm. The U-shaped bristle design with spiral tapered bristles facilitates efficient cleaning around brackets and cables. The Slim Soft Ortho Toothbrush is designed specifically for braces, orthodontic appliances, and difficult-to-reach areas.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute after brushing and flossing. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol, as it can be drying.
5. Watch Your Diet
Foods that are hard, sticky, or sugary can be especially problematic for those with braces. They can damage brackets and wires and contribute to tooth decay. Here are some dietary tips:
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods: Stay away from nuts, popcorn, and hard candies to prevent damage to your braces.
- Cut up fruits and vegetables: Instead of biting into whole apples or carrots, cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Limit sugary snacks: Sugary snacks can lead to tooth decay. If you do indulge, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
6. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Don’t skip your regular dental appointments while you have braces. Your orthodontist can make necessary adjustments and monitor your progress, while your dentist can provide professional cleanings and check for any signs of decay or gum problems.
7. Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining oral hygiene while wearing braces requires extra effort, but the results are well worth it in the end. Following these tips can help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and your smile stunning throughout your orthodontic journey. Remember, good oral hygiene practices are not only essential during treatment but also for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Contact Dental At Forest Hill
Our emphasis is always to provide gentle, dental care. We are a family oriented general dental practice, and our primary focus is preventing disease and providing happy smiles. We are conveniently located on 250 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill, VIC 3131. You can call us on: (03) 9878 3233 to ask any questions or to set up an appointment.