Whether you’re an adult or teen with braces, taking care of your pearly whites with a good dental hygiene routine is crucial, especially if you want to enjoy a healthy, straightened smile after your treatment is complete! Unfortunately, brackets and wires can get in the way, so you’ll have to be a little more thorough in order to effectively clear food debris and plaque from your teeth. Read on to learn how to properly brush and floss with braces to prevent oral health problems from developing while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Brushing Your Teeth with Braces
Brushing your teeth with braces using a regularly shaped toothbrush can be difficult. Fortunately, there are specialty toothbrushes out there that can make this part of your dental hygiene routine much easier and more effective. Whether you choose a high-powered electric, V-shaped orthodontic, or double-sided braces toothbrush, the key to removing plaque and food debris is in your technique:
- Before you begin brushing, rinse your mouth with water or use a water flosser to dislodge stuck food debris.
- Start brushing with fluoride toothpaste at a 45-degree angle, being sure to brush in circular motions and angle downward to brush the top of each of the brackets.
- Next, angle your brush upward to brush the bottom of each of the brackets.
- Don’t forget to thoroughly brush your tongue!
Flossing Your Teeth with Braces
Using traditional string dental floss can be difficult with braces, so if it’s an option, a great investment while you’re undergoing treatment is a water flosser. These are designed to rinse away all food debris and are incredibly easy to maneuver around brackets and wires. They’re also a great option for those with limited dexterity, arthritis, or other conditions that may make it more difficult to use string floss.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Smile Healthy with Braces
It’s crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day, although it never hurts to do it after each meal, and floss at least once a day. You can finish off your dental hygiene routine by rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash—it leaves your breath feeling fresh as well as rinses away harmful oral bacteria that can lead to cavity formation.
With the proper dental hygiene routine in place throughout your journey, you can not only enjoy a straighter smile after your brackets and wires are removed, but also a healthy one. At the end of it all, your efforts will be well worthwhile!
About the Author
Dr. Frances Hamman received her degree in orthodontics from Case Western Reserve University in 1993 and has been helping patients straighten their teeth ever since. She loves that orthodontics is rooted in both science and art, allowing her to exercise her detailed eye to help patients achieve the best versions of their smiles. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Sensational Smiles Orthodontics’ website or call 920-748-7130.
