Practicing Excellent Oral Hygiene with Braces: A Quick Guide

Caring for your teeth with braces can be straightforward when armed with the right tools and knowledge. Here's a quick guide to maintaining good oral hygiene during your orthodontic journey:

1. Brush After Eating:

● Carry a soft, round-bristle toothbrush with you.
● Brush after every meal or snack to prevent food particles from accumulating.

2. Brushing Technique:

● Brush first by scrubbing the brackets at a 90’ angle
● Brush at a 45’ angle above and below the bracket.

3. Flossing:

● Floss at least once daily using superfloss or a water flosser.
● Clean between your teeth, reaching areas that may be challenging with braces.

4. Mouthrinse and Tongue Scraper:

● Use an antimicrobial mouthrinse to help reduce bacteria.
● Incorporate a tongue scraper into your routine for comprehensive oral care.

5. Regular Dental Appointments:

● Continue with regular dental appointments.
● Your dental professional can detect any developing conditions early and offer tailored advice for your
specific needs.

QUICK TIP

● Rinse your mouth with warm water after having anything containing sugar. This will dissolve some of the cavity causing sugar.
● If you don't have a toothbrush handy, swish water around your mouth after eating to remove food particles.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces is essential for the success of your orthodontic treatment. Consistency in your routine, along with regular professional check-ups, ensures that your smile stays healthy and beautiful throughout your braces journey. If you have specific concerns or questions, don't hesitate to consult with your dental professional for personalized guidance.

Helpful information from Colgate

When you have straight teeth, you're more likely to feel better about your smile, and your teeth will harbor fewer bacteria because they're easier for you to clean, too. But if you need braces to achieve alignment, metal brackets and wires can create a temporary oral hygiene challenge. If you're wondering how best to care for teeth with a mouth full of metal, read on. We'll give you some helpful tips and advice to get your smile to a place you can, well... smile about.

Benefits of Wearing Braces:
A little extra effort to care for your teeth while wearing braces is more than worth it. When you have straight teeth, you'll have a decreased risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and your gums may support your teeth better when they aren't overlapping. You also have a reduced risk of chipping, breaking, or wearing away your teeth when they fit together correctly. Braces could even relieve abnormal stress put on your jaw from misaligned teeth. All these benefits could very well be the reason that braces aren't just for children anymore. The American Association of Orthodontists reports a record number of patients over 18 seeking orthodontic treatment.