How To Take Care of Dental Hygiene With Braces?

The decision to get braces is a step towards attaining proper oral health and an enhanced appearance of the teeth; nonetheless, it has various difficulties in the process. Hygiene when wearing a brace is a bit more complicated than when one has natural teeth and, therefore, needs more dedication. Being the best Dentist in Crosby TX, we know that it’s equally crucial to maintain oral hygiene during Orthodontic treatment. These can be some general advice that might help you to take proper care of your teeth and braces.

Brushing Techniques for Braces

Use the Right Toothbrush:

It is wise to ensure you use a toothbrush that is well-designed and is capable of cleaning around the brackets and wires whenever you have braces. A soft brush can adequately clean such areas or an electric toothbrush with a small head is also ideal for cleaning the areas and getting rid of the plague.

Brush After Every Meal:

Since you have braces, it is hard to clean food particles that stick between your teeth. You have to use dental floss to remove the food particles from your gums. To counter this, you should practice brushing your teeth after every meal. If you are out and about, you should consider carrying a travel toothbrush with you.

Proper Brushing Method:

Position the bristles of your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees against your gum line, and then brush using circular motions. The main areas of concern are the brackets and the gum line of the patient. Brush for at least two minutes; this way, you will be sure you have brushed every surface of your teeth.

Flossing With Braces

Use Floss Threaders:

Flossing can get complicated with braces, yet it is very possible. If you have dental floss that cannot pass under the wires, you can use floss threaders to assist in guiding the floss under the wires. The waxed floss will help you avoid this since other floss types will likely get stuck between your braces.

Interdental Brushes:

Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes used to clean between teeth and around braces. They are particularly advocated for physically cleaning food debris and plaque off the surfaces of teeth, especially the narrow regions.

Rinsing and Mouthwash

Rinse With Water:

When you are done brushing and flossing, always spit out at the sink and rinse your mouth with water. Rinsing your mouth and forcing the water through your teeth will also assist in removing items lodged between the braces.

Antibacterial Mouthwash:

Antibacterial mouthwash, if used, will go a long way in preventing gum disease and tooth decays. Ending the brushing with a fluoride mouthwash is effective in making your teeth strong and your breath fresh.

Avoid Certain Foods

Hard and Sticky Foods:

Some foods harm your braces, and it will be hard to clean your teeth after eating. Thus, avoid food that is hard to chew, such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candies, and sticky food like caramel and chewing gum.

Sugary Foods and Drinks:

Avoid eating too many sweets and using a lot of sugar in your diet as this could cause you to develop tartar and cavities. If you do eat them, make sure you brush your teeth soon after that.

Regular Dental Visits

Professional Cleanings:

One should ensure that he or she takes dental check-ups and cleaning sessions often, especially when wearing braces. Your Dentist in Crosby TX, will help scrape off any hard stains that one might have left and check up on your teeth and gums to ensure they are in the right condition.

Orthodontic Appointments:

Do not miss any of the planned orthodontics check-ups. Your orthodontist will evaluate the status of your treatment and modify the adjustments of your braces if needed.

Dealing With Discomfort

Orthodontic Wax:

Brackets used to fix braces on teeth may sometimes be irritating to the inside of your mouth. Orthodontic wax can be used on the brackets and wires to minimize discomfort and the formation of sores.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:

If you feel the pain after the adjustments then the use of regular pain relievers can be effective for you.

Conclusion

The importance of practicing good oral hygiene when you have braces cannot be overemphasized, as this determines the outcome of the orthodontic therapy and the final cosmetic appearance of your teeth. If you adhere to these guidelines and maintain a proper oral hygiene regime, you shall be able to promote the overall health of the teeth and gums. With that said, your Dentist in Crosby TX, is always here for you during all your attempts to get the perfect smile using the bracket.