It is a common misconception that having braces necessarily means that oral hygiene will suffer. Many people believe that braces make it impossible to take care of one’s teeth properly; however, this could not be further from the truth.
In fact, with the right tools and knowledge, maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces can be quite easy. This article details all of the tips and tricks necessary for keeping a healthy smile while sporting braces.
From brushing regularly to using an appropriate mouthwash, read on to learn how to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your orthodontic treatment.
Key Takeaways
– Regular brushing and flossing with the right tools are essential during orthodontic treatment.
– Incorporating smart dietary choices and avoiding sugary foods can help maintain good oral hygiene.
– Regular visits to the dentist during orthodontic treatment are important for overall dental health and preventive care.
– Following the orthodontist’s instructions for care and using mouthguards during sports can also contribute to good oral hygiene during braces treatment.
Brush Regularly
Regular brushing of the teeth is essential for maintaining oral health during orthodontic treatment.
The proper brushing technique should be used to ensure that all food particles and plaque are removed from the surfaces of the teeth, especially between the brackets and wires of braces.
It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when brushing, as well as a floss threader or water flosser to remove food particles in hard-to-reach areas such as behind the brackets.
Additionally, it is important to make smart dietary choices while wearing braces.
Foods high in sugar content should be avoided since they can increase plaque build-up on teeth, leading to an increased risk for cavities and other dental problems.
Incorporating healthy foods into one’s diet such as lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help maintain a balanced nutrition intake while ensuring good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
Floss Thoroughly
Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene during braces.
Floss threaders help make flossing easier, as they allow the user to get the floss beneath the wires in order to properly clean all surfaces of the teeth.
Interdental brushes can also be used in addition to traditional flossing and are designed specifically for reaching between and around orthodontic brackets and wires.
Proper flossing techniques should always be employed when cleaning teeth with braces.
Use Floss Threaders
Utilizing a floss threader can help to effectively remove plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach places in the mouth. A floss threader is an essential tool for those with braces, as it helps to clean around brackets and wires that can trap food particles. Floss threaders are available in many drug stores, grocery stores, and online retailers.
When using a floss threader, it is important to use slow, steady movements to avoid damaging the gums or dislodging any brackets. In addition to using a floss threader, it is also important to use mouthwash regularly and replace toothbrushes often when wearing braces in order to maintain good oral hygiene. | Tips | Benefits |
| ——————————— | ——————————– |
|---|---|
| Use slow steady movements | Avoid damaging gums/brackets |
| Regularly use mouthwash | Maintains good oral hygiene |
| Replace toothbrush often | Helps keep teeth healthy |
Utilize Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes can be used to effectively remove plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. These small, cylindrical brushes are a great tool for people who have braces as they can help reduce plaque and avoid cavities. Interdental brushes come in various sizes, allowing them to fit between teeth regardless of their spacing.
Here are some tips for using interdental brushes:
– Always use a new brush for each brushing session; this will prevent bacteria from spreading from one area to another.
– Make sure to choose an appropriate size brush so that it fits comfortably between your teeth without causing damage or irritation.
– After use, rinse the brush with water and store it in a clean place until you’re ready to use it again.
Using interdental brushes regularly can help maintain oral hygiene while wearing braces by removing plaque and food debris that may otherwise be missed when using traditional brushing methods alone. Doing so will help reduce the amount of bacteria present in the mouth and ultimately lead to healthier teeth and gums overall.
Visit Your Dentist
Regularly visiting the dentist during orthodontic treatment is a key factor in achieving a healthy smile. The American Dental Association recommends that individuals who are undergoing orthodontic treatment visit their dentist for regular checkups every 3 to 4 months. During these visits, the dentist or hygienist can assess the overall health of teeth and gums, advise on effective brushing and flossing techniques, as well as provide preventive care such as fluoride treatments or sealants if necessary.
| Benefit | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| ——- | ———– | —– |
| Regular Checkups | Having regular checkups helps to ensure that your oral hygiene is maintained while wearing braces. | Schedule an appointment with your dentist every three to four months in order to monitor your dental health. |
| Dental Hygiene | Proper oral hygiene needs to be practiced regularly when wearing braces in order to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay from occurring. | Brush twice daily using an interdental brush and floss at least once per day by using a threader or superfloss which can help reach areas that cannot be accessed with traditional brushing methods. |
Use a Mouthwash
Incorporating a mouthwash into your daily routine while undergoing orthodontic treatment can help protect your teeth from plaque and decay. Braces can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, so using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help clean hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and gums.
It is important not to neglect oral hygiene while wearing braces as this may lead to plaque buildup around the brackets and wires, which in turn may cause cavities or discolouration. Accordingly, using mouthwash is an effective way of keeping your braces clean and avoiding cavities.
When choosing a mouthwash for orthodontic care, look for one that contains fluoride as this will help strengthen tooth enamel and keep it healthy during the treatment period. Additionally, ensure that it is alcohol-free as alcohol content might irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth.
Using a combination of brushing and flossing with an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouth rinse regularly can provide maximum protection against bacteria growth during orthodontic treatment. Therefore, incorporating a mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine while wearing braces is an excellent way to clean braces and avoid cavities.
Consider Oral Appliances
Oral appliances, such as tongue and lip guards or orthodontic wax, can be beneficial for those with braces.
Tongue and lip guards are designed to protect the lips and cheeks from irritation caused by bracket brackets and wires rubbing against them; orthodontic wax is used to provide cushioning around brackets or to cover sharp edges of wires.
Both types of appliances can help reduce discomfort associated with wearing braces and improve oral hygiene during treatment.
Tongue and Lip Guards
Tongue and lip guards are an important part of oral hygiene during orthodontic treatments. Utilizing these guards can help protect the teeth, gums, and braces from damage that may be caused by accidental biting or grinding.
Mouth coating is one way to reduce the risk of tongue irritation while wearing a guard. This involves applying a thin layer of wax-like material on the surface of the mouthguard to create a barrier between the tongue and the protective device.
Cheek retraction is another technique that can be used to make it easier to keep the guard in place and prevent it from shifting or becoming dislodged during use. It involves gently pushing back on both cheeks with two fingers for several seconds before inserting the guard into the mouth.
Both techniques can help ensure maximum protection when using tongue and lip guards during braces treatment.
Orthodontic Wax
Transitioning to the current subtopic, orthodontic wax is another helpful tool for individuals wearing braces. Orthodontic wax provides relief from any irritation or discomfort that may be caused by the braces and prevents further damage to the gums, cheeks, and lips. It is a safe adhesive substance that can easily be applied directly on the metal brackets of the braces.
Orthodontic wax helps create a barrier between metal components of the braces and other surfaces such as teeth, gums, tongue, and lips. The following are key points to consider when using orthodontic wax:
– To ensure proper use, read instructions carefully provided with the product prior to application.
– Use only small amounts of orthodontic adhesives at a time; if more is needed it should be reapplied every two days or as instructed by your dentist or orthodontist.
– Regularly rinse with fluoride rinses in order to reduce plaque buildup and minimize risk of cavities during treatment with braces.
Conclusion
Having braces can be a daunting task, but with proper oral hygiene, it is possible to maintain a healthy smile. Through regular brushing and flossing, visits to the dentist, use of mouthwash and perhaps even additional oral appliances, one can ensure their teeth are being properly cared for.
The symbolism of a clean brush or a bright smile reflects how important and achievable achieving good oral health is. Taking the time to properly care for one’s teeth is an investment in both physical and emotional wellbeing that will pay dividends in the long run.
With dedication to proper dental hygiene practices, everyone can have the confidence of having a healthy and beautiful smile.
