Braces are your companion in the struggle to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile of your dreams. Though they can cause pain when first applied and during the initial adjustment sessions, the end result is always worth it. The most important thing to consider is maintaining good oral hygiene. To get the maximum benefits out of braces, it’s essential to keep your teeth clean. To keep things up to standard, brush and floss your teeth regularly at least twice a day, after meals, and before hitting bed. How to brush my teeth with braces is the most common question patients undergoing orthodontic treatment ask.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Teeth With Braces?
Tooth decay is the most common problem patients with inadequate oral hygiene face. Having a bad breath is never a good thing to have, so don’t skip brushing and flossing. Gum inflammation is another complication you will have to deal with if you don’t take care of your oral health. Last but not least, tooth discoloration can ruin your smile for which you are making so much effort and paying those deadly payments.
Brushing Your Teeth With Braces
Choosing the right type of brush and doing it the right way can make a huge difference between clean and not so clean teeth. Is it hard to brush your teeth with braces? Since brushing your teeth with and without braces is nearly the same, you can still use a traditional toothbrush to wipe off the plaque and food debris. For better results, take an interdental brush.
Before brushing, cleanse your mouth using water to eliminate any stuck food particles. Note that you don’t need any particular type of toothpaste to achieve the desired results. Just make sure that the toothpaste of your choice is approved by ADA and contains fluoride. But do try to avoid any whitening toothpastes as they don’t mix up well with braces.
Start with the upper front side of your teeth and gently move your brush forward and backward. Don’t forget to brush each bracket with just the right amount of pressure. Do the same for bottom teeth and reach till the molars. Use back and forth and circular motions. Next, brush the inside of your teeth, which are now by far easiest to clean. Also, brush your tongue, gums, and cheeks as they are a party pool for oral germs.
How to Keep Teeth Clean With Braces?
Just brushing is not enough to keep you away from the dangers of plaque accumulation due to braces. Flossing ensures your teeth and crevices are free from any plaque and food particles remaining after brushing. Moreover, rinsing with mouthwash or saltwater is another effective way of keeping your teeth free from cavities and preventing gingivitis.
Maintaining a perfect smile requires time and effort. If you have any questions regarding braces aftercare, feel free to contact the team at Waller Dental. To get in touch, call us at 936-372-2673.