Effective Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean with Braces
Having braces means taking extra care of your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent issues like plaque buildup and tooth decay. Food particles and plaque can easily get stuck to the brackets and wires, making cleaning more challenging. Here are six practical ways to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces:
1. Brushing
Proper brushing is essential for keeping your teeth and braces clean:
- Rinse First: Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen food particles.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Brush using fluoride toothpaste, beginning at the gum line and angling your toothbrush at 45 degrees.
- Focus on the Brackets: Brush above, below, and around the brackets, ensuring every tooth surface is cleaned.
- Use Interdental Brushes: These are great for reaching under wires and around brackets.
- Replace Your Toothbrush Frequently: Braces cause additional wear and tear on toothbrushes, so replace them regularly. Carry a travel toothbrush for brushing after snacks and meals.
2. Flossing
Flossing with braces is still vital for oral hygiene:
- Floss Threaders: Use a floss threader to maneuver floss under the wires easily.
- Daily Routine: Take your time to floss between each tooth to remove plaque and food particles.
- Help for Younger Children: Parents can assist younger children who may struggle with threading floss under the wires.
3. Water Jet
A water jet (or water flosser) is an excellent tool for additional cleaning:
- Use After Brushing and Flossing: A water jet can dislodge food particles stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
- Add Antiseptic Rinse: Consider adding an antiseptic dental rinse, such as Peroxyl, to enhance the cleaning process and reduce inflammation.
4. Mouth Rinse
Mouthwash helps protect your teeth and gums:
- Fluoride Rinse: Use a fluoride rinse at least four times daily to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
- Antiseptic Rinses: For cuts or scrapes from braces, use an antiseptic rinse like Peroxide to reduce irritation.
- Remember: Mouth rinses complement brushing and flossing but don’t replace them.
5. Retainer Care
If you wear a retainer, keeping it clean is just as important:
- Daily Cleaning: Clean your retainer daily to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Soak in Mouthwash: When not in use, soak your retainer in a mouthwash solution to keep it fresh.
6. Braces-Friendly Diet
Your diet plays a key role in maintaining oral health with braces:
- Avoid Certain Foods: Stay away from sticky, hard, or overly acidic foods that can damage your braces or teeth.
- Choose Healthier Options: Opt for foods with low acidity like bananas instead of oranges and drink water or milk instead of soft drinks.
- Consult Your Orthodontist: Ask your orthodontist for a comprehensive list of foods to enjoy and avoid while wearing braces.
Alternative: Invisalign®
For patients with fully-erupted molars, Invisalign® offers a convenient alternative to traditional braces:
- Virtually Invisible: Invisalign aligners are clear and hard to notice.
- Removable: The aligners can be easily removed, allowing for simpler brushing and flossing.
- Effective: These aligners gradually straighten teeth without brackets or wires.
By following these six strategies, you can keep your teeth clean and healthy throughout your orthodontic journey. Proper care ensures a smoother treatment experience and a beautiful, confident smile at the end!