1. Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal
Brushing your teeth after every meal is essential when you have braces. Food particles and plaque can quickly get stuck in the brackets and wires. If left uncleaned, they can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Tip: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth, including the brackets, wires, and gum line. Spend at least two minutes brushing to ensure a thorough clean.
2. Use an Interdental Brush for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Braces can make it difficult to clean your mouth's nooks and crannies. An interdental brush is a small brush designed to clean between the wires and brackets, helping to remove trapped food particles and plaque.
Tip: Use an interdental brush daily to clean areas your regular toothbrush may miss. This will help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of cavities around the braces.
3. Floss Daily with Special Floss Threaders
Flossing is essential for preventing gum disease, especially when you have braces. Traditional flossing can be tricky with braces, but using a floss threader makes it easier to get the floss between the wires and teeth.
Tip: Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to remove any food debris that brushing might have missed. Carefully slide the floss under the wires and between your teeth, cleaning both sides of each tooth.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. It helps reduce bacteria in your mouth and can reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss. An antimicrobial mouthwash can also help keep your gums healthy and prevent gum inflammation, which is familiar with braces.
Tip: Choose a mouthwash with fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities. Swish for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing to ensure a thorough clean.
5. Avoid Certain Foods That Can Damage Braces
Some foods can damage your braces or get stuck in your wires. Sticky, complex, or crunchy foods can cause brackets to break or wires to bend. These foods can also get lodged in the braces, making it harder to clean your teeth properly.
Tip: Avoid caramel, chewing gum, popcorn, hard candies, and raw vegetables. If you eat these foods, cut them into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
6. Keep Your Appointments with Your Orthodontist
Regular visits to your orthodontist are essential for maintaining proper oral health while wearing braces. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress, check for any issues, and make necessary adjustments to your braces.
Tip: Attend your scheduled appointments and follow any specific instructions your orthodontist provides. This will help ensure your treatment progresses smoothly, and your teeth stay healthy.
Maintaining oral hygiene while wearing braces requires extra effort, but it’s well worth it. You'll keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing after every meal, flossing regularly, using mouthwash, and following your orthodontist’s advice. Additionally, avoid problematic foods and watch for any signs of gum disease to keep your smile on track. With consistent care, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous, straight smile once your braces come off.
Contact our orthodontic office in Eastvale if you have any other questions or concerns!
