If you have a bad bite or teeth that are crowded, your dentist may recommend dental braces for your teeth. With your new braces in place, you’re on the roadmap to a beautiful smile. However, more importantly, orthodontic treatment may result in a healthier mouth as with braces, it becomes easier to reach plaque in between the teeth. But brushing with braces may seem like a difficult task as the braces themselves present a barrier between you and the teeth. However, it is easy to clean your teeth with some daily dental hygiene adjustments and ultimately result in a beautiful smile. Get the best oral hygiene advice from your local orthodontics by calling Lovett Dental Pearland 281-416-5844 today.
What is the Best Way for Brushing with Braces?
While you’re wearing braces, you will want to avoid foods that are not compatible with the treatment. Make sure to avoid sticky candy, popcorns, and sugary foods and beverages. Each of these and similar foods have adverse effects on the braces. Eating them may cause loosening, breaking the brackets, and unhealthy trapping of husks in your gum line and braces. These effects will then increase the chance of plaque accumulation on the surfaces of your teeth and gum.
Even when eating the right food, food particles will get stuck in and around the braces and the gums. For this reason, you will need to use special tools such as a gum massager or an interdental brush to loosen the particles and to make brushing with braces easy.
To choose the right toothbrush, you should use one that your orthodontist has recommended based on your individual needs. In most cases, orthodontists will recommend an electric toothbrush with a spinning head. Even though that is the commonly used toothbrush, you can still use a manual toothbrush, but be sure to consult with your local orthodontist.
What Do You Need to Do During Brushing?
After proper preparation, you need to use the right toothpaste, the right motion and spend the right amount of time brushing.
The Right Toothpaste
The right toothpaste to use is one that your orthodontist recommended during the treatment. During the orthodontic treatment, make sure to avoid whitening toothpaste as it can create uneven whitening of the surfaces of the teeth exposed compared to those behind the brackets.
The Right Motion
When brushing with braces, move the brush head in a circular motion along the surfaces of the teeth. To fully clean your teeth and gums, make sure to sufficiently brush the surfaces above and below the braces.
The Right Amount of Time
Spend at least 2-3 minutes to get all the surfaces clean. Ensure the top, front, and back sides of both the upper and lower teeth thoroughly. If you are using an electric toothbrush, most of them come with timers; however, if you use a manual toothbrush, be sure to use a timer.
After brushing with braces, use the right floss on the surfaces between the brackets and the teeth. After flossing, rinse your mouth with water. You can then use fluoride water to protect your teeth from decay and cavities.
Learn About Orthodontic Treatment at Lovett Dental Pearland
Oral healthcare during orthodontic treatment is crucial to avoid local and systemic problems. Therefore, it is essential to receive the right education and instructions to prevent any complications arising from poor oral hygiene. At Lovett Dental Pearland, we specialize in a wealth of dental services, including:
Get the right advice on brushing with braces and how to keep a healthy smile during orthodontic treatment by contacting Lovett Dental Pearland at 281-416-5844 to schedule an appointment.
