Braces are an excellent solution for straightening teeth and achieving a beautiful smile, but they also bring new challenges when maintaining oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing become even more crucial with braces to prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease, which can be harder to avoid due to the wires and brackets. With the proper techniques, you can keep your teeth clean, healthy, and free from orthodontic-related issues.
Here are some essential techniques for brushing and flossing with braces to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout your treatment:
Brushing with Braces
Brushing your teeth with braces requires a slightly different approach than brushing without them. The goal is to clean around the brackets, wires, and between your teeth, where food particles and plaque tend to accumulate. Here’s how to brush properly
Step 1: Use the Right Toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for brushing with braces. It’s gentle on your gums and braces but effective in removing plaque. You can opt for a regular or electric toothbrush with a smaller head. An electric toothbrush can be more effective at cleaning hard-to-reach areas, but ensure it’s set to a gentle mode.
Additionally, you can use a special orthodontic toothbrush designed with a V-shaped bristle pattern to clean around the brackets and wires more effectively.
Step 2: Angle Your Brush Correctly
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Gently brush along the gumline in a circular or vibrating motion. This helps remove plaque buildup from the base of the brackets and between your teeth. Be sure to brush both the upper and lower gum lines.
Step 3: Focus on Each Tooth
Carefully brush the brackets and wires, focusing on each tooth individually. Make sure to clean your teeth’ outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. For the inner surfaces, tilt the brush vertically and use small, gentle strokes to clean under the wires. For the chewing surfaces, use back-and-forth motions to dislodge food particles.
Step 4: Take Your Time
Brushing with braces takes longer than brushing without them, but it is essential to ensure that every part of your teeth is thoroughly cleaned. Spend 2-3 minutes brushing, and don’t rush through the process. A thorough brushing session reduces the risk of plaque buildup and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing can be more challenging with braces, but it is just as important, if not more so, than regular brushing. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth that a toothbrush might miss. Fortunately, you can effectively floss with braces with the right tools and techniques.
Step 1: Use Special Flossing Tools
Traditional floss may be difficult to use with braces because the floss can get caught on the wires. Instead, opt for specialized flossing tools such as:
- Floss threaders: A floss threader is a flexible needle-like tool that helps you thread floss under the archwire. Once the floss is through, you can use it just like regular dental floss to clean between your teeth.
- Orthodontic floss: This floss has a thicker end designed to slip under the wire, allowing you to floss between the brackets easily. It’s beneficial for cleaning around the braces where traditional floss might not fit.
- Water flosser: A water flosser (also called an oral irrigator) uses a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and around braces. While it doesn’t replace traditional flossing, it can be an effective addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Step 2: Use Proper Flossing Technique
To floss with a floss threader or orthodontic floss, follow these steps:
- Gently insert the floss underneath the wire and slide it between your teeth.
- Curve the floss around the tooth and move it up and down to dislodge plaque and food particles.
- Be careful not to snap the floss, as it can damage your braces or gums.
- Repeat the process for each tooth, ensuring you clean between all the teeth, including the molars in the back of your mouth.
Step 3: Consider Flossing After Every Meal
Food can easily get trapped between teeth and brackets when wearing braces, so it’s important to floss after every meal if possible. This will help prevent food from staying lodged in your braces for too long, reducing the chances of plaque buildup, bad breath, and tooth decay.
Additional Tips for Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Tip 1: Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Using fluoride toothpaste is crucial to prevent cavities and maintain healthy enamel, especially when you have braces. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps protect your teeth from decay. Be sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush your teeth gently.
Tip 2: Rinse with Mouthwash
A good mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria and leftover food particles that brushing and flossing may have missed. Choose a mouthwash with fluoride to help protect your enamel and keep your breath fresh. Be sure to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing for the best results.
Tip 3: Avoid Sticky and Sugary Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum can quickly get stuck in your braces and lead to plaque buildup. Sugary foods can also promote the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth, increasing the risk of cavities. Avoid these foods, or brush your teeth thoroughly afterward if you indulge.
Tip 4: Regular Dental Checkups
Even with good home care, visiting your dentist and orthodontist regularly is essential. Your orthodontist will check your braces for any issues, and your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Regular cleanings are also necessary to remove any plaque buildup that can occur despite your best efforts.
Brushing and flossing with braces might seem like a hassle, but maintaining proper oral hygiene is vital to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile at the end of your treatment. With the right tools, techniques, and dedication, you can keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your braces working effectively. Remember, consistency is key—take your time, brush and floss regularly, and enjoy the process of transforming your smile!
If you’re looking for expert orthodontic care or need advice on maintaining your braces, our team of specialist orthodontists at Go Dental Clinics is here to help! Call 800777000 to book an appointment with our dental specialists today.
