How Do I Clean My Teeth With Braces?
Terrific, you just got new braces! You are on your way to a beautiful and confident smile, IF, you can figure out how to keep it all clean and shiny. Knowing the best way to brush your teeth with braces will help to maintain and speed along that beautiful smile transformation. Wearing braces increases the surfaces in your mouth where bacteria and food debris can get trapped. Bacteria can cause tooth decay if it is not efficiently removed from those surfaces. Here are some simple steps you can take during your daily oral hygiene regimen to protect your teeth from plaque and tartar buildup while wearing braces:
Use toothpaste that has the approval seal of the Canadian Dental Association, your dentist will be happy to recommended one.
Always choose a soft bristle toothbrush, make surea to point the brush in a 45° angle towards the gums to remove food, plaque bacteria and debris. Brush your mouth like you normally would front and back, top and bottom, with gentle strokes. Don’t forget your tongue!
There are many kinds of toothbrushes to choose from; some of the more popular ones have a “V” shape that makes them great for getting in the spaces between the wires and brackets on your teeth.
Try to brush your teeth after each meal and before going to bed daily. Brushing away food residue prevents bacteria accumulation, and, reduces the appearance of stains on teeth and non-metal brackets used in some braces. Tooth staining may not be obvious until after the braces are removed, be diligent.
Brush gently when brushing around the wires and brackets of your braces. Brushing too vigorously can damage them.
Flossing with braces requires some practice, be patient, you will find a process that works for you. Using waxed floss with a floss threader is a common technique used by our patients with braces. The threader allows you to thread the floss through a large eye, like the eye of a needle, and then easily pass the floss through the wires to floss properly around the braces. Most drug stores carry floss threaders. FLOSS, FLOSS, FLOSS, morning, afternoon and night!
Use caution while flossing not to tug the floss as you could loosen or bend, or even break a wire or bracket.
Experiment with different brands and styles of floss to find a product that works for your teeth. Floss comes in a variety of styles including waxed and unwaxed, and dental tape. Shredded pieces of floss left behind can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Find a floss product that easily threads into your flosser and works between tight teeth and wires.
As a final step, we recommend rinsing with a dental mouth wash to flush away any debris from hard to reach places under the gums that your brushing and flossing may have dislodged or couldn’t get to.
Make it a habit to follow these simple steps to keep your braces clean and your mouth healthy during your orthodontic treatment. A healthy mouth means fewer interventions during the realignment process, and ultimately, achieving the terrific smile you’ve always wanted. Your beautiful smile is always in fashion!
Clearwater Dental Centre in Edmonton welcomes dental patients of all ages. It’s never too late to get that beautiful smile. Our mission is to provide the best possible dental care to our patients in a professional, comfortable and friendly environment. We pride ourselves on listening to our patients and providing dental care solutions that meet or exceed expectations. Call us, at 780-457-2644 to schedule an appointment with one of our general dentists.
