Good oral hygiene is essential for your overall health and well-being. But, if you wear braces or other orthodontic appliances, maintaining good oral care may seem challenging. Fortunately, some tips can help make the process easier. This article will advise an orthodontist on better dental care while wearing braces or other orthodontic devices.
Brushing Tips
When it comes to brushing with braces and other orthodontic devices, the key is patience and diligence. To ensure that you’re able to clean around your brackets and wires properly, here are some helpful tips:
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Be Sure to Brush for at Least Two Minutes
When you have braces, it is vital to brush for two minutes. This ensures that all the food and plaque particles stuck in your teeth and gums are removed. When brushing with braces, take extra care around the brackets, as they can trap food particles easily.
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Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Opt for fluoride toothpaste to help protect your teeth from cavities during this period of orthodontic treatment. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is best when cleaning your teeth with braces. A hard-bristled brush may cause damage by scrubbing too aggressively against the brackets and wires.
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Use Interdental Brushes to Clean in Between Teeth
Interdental brushes are small, circular brushes with handles that can help you clean around the archwire and between your teeth. The bristles of this brush are more flexible and slender than those of a regular toothbrush, which gives them better access to hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. Use this tool at least once daily if you’re wearing orthodontic appliances.
Flossing Tips
Flossing is essential to oral hygiene, even when wearing braces or other orthodontic devices. Here are some tips for flossing while wearing braces:
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Use Waxed Floss
It’s best to use waxed floss when cleaning around your braces, as the wax helps it slip between your teeth and wire more easily. Use a pre-threader or floss threader to help you access harder-to-reach areas in your mouth.
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Be Gentle When Flossing
When flossing with braces, be sure to be gentle. Floss too aggressively or harshly, and you could damage the brackets or wires. Have an orthodontist show you how to properly floss before starting on your own.
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Floss Every Day
It’s essential to floss every day, even when wearing braces. This helps ensure that all plaque and food particles have been removed from your teeth and gums, safeguarding them against cavities and other oral health issues.
Other Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, here are some additional tips on how to take good care of your teeth while wearing braces or other orthodontic devices:
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Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods
Hard and chewy foods can damage the wires or brackets of your orthodontic appliance, so it’s best to avoid them. Stick to softer foods, such as cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes and yoghurt.
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Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
No matter how often you brush or floss, you should visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments. This will help ensure that your braces are working correctly and that your teeth remain healthy during treatment.
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Use a Kool-Aid Rinse Periodically
Consider using a Kool-Aid rinse periodically to protect against plaque buildup around your brackets and wires. Mix one packet of sugar-free Kool-Aid with one cup of warm water and swish it in your mouth for a few minutes. The citric acid in the Kool-Aid helps break down plaque and freshen your breath simultaneously.
Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances can be challenging, but it is possible with the proper knowledge and tools. Be sure to brush, floss, visit your orthodontist regularly, and avoid hard or chewy foods that could damage your appliance. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have healthy teeth even after you’ve removed your braces.
FAQs:
Q: How often should I brush when wearing braces?
A: Brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste when wearing braces is best.
Q: Is eating hard or chewy foods while wearing braces okay?
A: No, it is best to avoid hard and chewy foods as they can damage your orthodontic appliance.
Q: Do I still need to floss if I’m wearing braces?
A: Yes, it’s important to floss at least once a day while wearing braces to keep your teeth and gums healthy.