Dental Health Care: How to Brush Teeth with Braces

^{Brushing teeth with Braces. Photo: Ivan2010 / Wikimedia Commons}

It does not matter if you or your child’s braces will just be for six months or more. There is one thing that you need to understand about this dental treatment. Having braces makes brushing teeth a bit of a challenge. This is because the plaque or particles may stick to the brackets.

The specific instruction on the number of times you need to brush while wearing braces may depend according to the orthodontist.

However, it is advisable that you should always brush after eating.

Dealing with Plaque around Your Braces

While you are wearing braces, you will face the challenge of eliminating food particles. There will be plaques and other food particles that you will find trapped in some places.

With this, you have to choose a brush that is specially designed for teeth with braces. This type of toothbrush can help you clean the teeth and the areas around the braces effectively.

While you will need more time with your oral care as long as you have those braces, with the right brush this should not be an issue; after all, braces can help you straighten your teeth.

Top Tips for Brushing Teeth with Your Braces

Even as you go for dental checkups, you will hear your orthodontist provide you with special instructions on how to care for your teeth.

Here are some tips in brushing teeth with your braces:

1. Choose the right toothbrush

If you are choosing the right toothbrush, you need to find the one that can help you around and between the brackets.

You can choose between a proxabrush or a soft brush for this. For the first one, you can stroke in every direction while you are going through the spaces between the braces.

For a soft brush, you will be able to brush each of your teeth down to top even with a bracket.

2. Cleaning between teeth

Cleaning between teeth can be done with floss. Even with your braces on, flossing is very important. This time, however, it can be a bit crucial because of the condition set by the straightening of the teeth.

Whenever you floss, you should make use of soft picks. This way, you will be able to go through the tight spaces.

Another thing to consider to be able to clean between teeth is to rinse with mouthwash after brushing.

3. Clean the braces

You can do this by holding your brush at a 45 degree angle. This way, you will be able to lean the brackets and the wires.

Take your time and make sure that you have removed the debris and the plaques in different places. If you have clear braces like Invisalign, you can easily take them out, brush your teeth and put them back. You can make use of fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush for this.

4. Floss once a day

There are products that are designed for people who are using braces. For flossing, you should be able to choose waxed floss or dental tape.

When using waxed floss, you should carefully thread it under the wire as you pass it between your two teeth. Be careful with this process and do not snap it.

5. Rinse with water and check your teeth

Rinsing with water thoroughly will help you ensure that there is no debris left after all the necessary processes.

After rinsing, you should check your teeth and the braces in front of the mirror. This way, you can be sure that you did not miss a point.

It may look a bit more complicated but you will be able to get used to the process.

6. Replace your toothbrush often

You have to consider replacing your toothbrush often. This is one of the best ways on how you can ensure that the tool is still effectively cleaning your teeth.

The bristles of a toothbrush can get worn down easily. With this, you should consider replacing them after three months. This is also one way to ensure your oral health.

In conclusion

Aside from the different tips that are provided above, you should also never miss a dental checkup. The appointment with your orthodontist is strategically scheduled. This is to ensure that you will get the maximum effect of the braces according to your need.

There are different instances when you would need to go for a visit because of a certain issue. This is also one of the things that you should be expecting.

Other tips include watching or being careful when choosing your food.

There are some habits that can cause damage to your braces. This includes chewing or biting on the pencil or the fingers.

The process of wearing braces may be a bit of a challenge at first. However, the effect and the end result is what really makes the whole thing worth it.

One of the responsibilities of the orthodontist is to inform you of the ways on how to care for your braces. This is something that can be ensured if you are regularly paying a visit.

So, if you are still thinking about getting braces for yourself or your child, you should consider all the tips provided for good oral health.