If you have got braces, you are on the road to a straight, beautiful smile. Initially, you may find it difficult to adjust to the heavy metal feel in your mouth, but with time and practice, you’ll get used to them. A challenging task is to clean the braces after every meal because food particles easily get entangled between the brackets and wires. Learning the right brushing technique can help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the braces treatment. Here’s how to keep your teeth clean with braces:
Make A Habit
The risk of plaque buildup is higher when you are wearing braces because of food entrapment. If these plaque deposits harden into tartar, they can be harder to remove with regular brushing.
To ensure that your teeth and gums remain infection-free throughout the treatment, brushing your teeth after every meal is important. Practicing good oral hygiene will keep your teeth looking shiny and healthy.
Rinse Your Mouth
The first step is to rinse your mouth with water. Swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it. It helps clear most of the food debris between the metal brackets and wires. You can repeat this step two to three times. Next, take out removable elastics or orthodontic pieces and place them in a container.
Brush At The Right Angles
Rinse your toothbrush and apply a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surfaces and gently start brushing along the gum line. Next, reposition your brush to clean the top surface of your brackets.
Once these regions are clean, carefully adjust the angle of the brush to clean under the brackets and wires. Also, remember to clean the chewing and inner surfaces of your teeth. Avoid brushing aggressively, as it can damage the gums, and take your time for this task. Once you make it a regular habit, it becomes easier to clean your teeth after every meal.
Floss Your Teeth
Flossing is an even bigger challenge than brushing, but it is important to maintain the hygiene of your teeth and gums. Use a floss threader for ease, as it helps maneuver the string floss around the teeth. Clean the areas between your teeth and along the gum line. You can also use a water flosser to clean the hidden areas between your teeth.
Rinse Your Mouth Again
After complete brushing, rinse your mouth with water to eliminate plaque, food debris, and harmful oral bacteria from your mouth. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill the remaining bacteria in your mouth that may harm your teeth. It also removes bad odor and freshens your breath.
Check in the mirror to ensure that your mouth is completely clean. After completing this routine, you can place the elastics or orthodontic pieces back in your mouth.
Final Words
Brushing and cleaning your teeth with braces may seem difficult at first, but you can become better at it with regular practice. If you have any questions regarding braces or other dental treatments, feel free to contact our team at Adventure Orthodontics by calling (281) 353-5556. We are here to help with all your dental and orthodontic concerns.