Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but it’s especially crucial when you’re wearing braces. Braces can trap food and plaque around your brackets and wires, leading to tooth decay and other dental problems. Luckily, you can follow a few easy tips to keep your braces clean and healthy. Below are some of these.
Brush After Every Meal
The best way to clean your braces is to brush your teeth after every meal. This will help remove any food that has become trapped around your brackets and wires. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste to avoid damaging your braces. Brushing also helps keep your teeth healthy and free of plaque build-up, which can lead to cavities.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to keep your braces clean and healthy. Your dentist will be able to remove any food or plaque that has become trapped around your brackets and wires. They will also check for any signs of tooth decay or other dental problems.
Let the dentist know if you’re having any problems with your braces or if you notice any pain or swelling in your teeth or gums. Also, be free to ask your dentist any questions you have regarding braces including how much is Invisalign and what its uses are
Use a Soft Toothbrush
When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your braces. Hard bristles can scratch your brackets and wires, leading to increased plaque build-up and tooth decay.
Unlike hard toothbrushes, which come in various shapes and sizes, soft toothbrushes are all generally the same size and shape. This makes it easier to reach all areas of your mouth, including around your braces.
Don’t Use Too Much Toothpaste
It’s essential to use enough toothpaste when brushing your teeth, but you don’t need to use it as much as you might think. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough for most people.
Using too much toothpaste can cause the foam to build up around your braces, which can be challenging to remove. It can also cause your braces to become loose.
Use a Water Flosser
Another great way to clean your braces is by using a water flosser. A water flosser uses high-pressure water jets to remove food and plaque from around your braces. It’s a quick and easy way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Water flossers function similarly to a dental irrigator and can be purchased at most pharmacies or online.
As you use the water flosser, remember to angle the tip towards the braces and use a gentle back-and-forth motion. Avoid pressing too hard on your teeth and gums, as this can cause pain and irritation.
Avoid Some Foods
There are some foods that you’ll need to avoid while wearing braces. These include crunchy or sticky foods, like chips and candy, which can become trapped in your braces and cause plaque build-up.
Also, avoid drinking soda and other sugary drinks, as these can weaken your teeth and promote tooth decay. Instead, drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Rinse Your Mouth Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be a great way to keep your braces clean and healthy. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing your teeth. This will help remove any food or plaque that may have been missed during brushing.
Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth against tooth decay. Be sure to read the label before purchasing mouthwash to ensure it’s safe for people with braces.
Go for Routine Braces Cleanings
Another great way to keep your braces clean is routine braces cleanings. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to clean your braces and check for any problems. Regular braces cleanings should be performed every six months to ensure that your braces are in good condition.
During the procedure, your dentist or orthodontist will remove any food or plaque that has become trapped around your brackets and wires. They will also check for any signs of tooth decay or other dental problems. Cleaning your braces regularly will help prevent plaque build-up and tooth decay.
You can help keep your braces clean and healthy by following these tips. Remember to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid sugary drinks and sticky or crunchy foods to prevent plaque build-up and cavities. Use a water flosser to clean your braces. And lastly, go for standard braces cleanings to ensure that your braces are in good condition.
