If brushing and flossing can seem quite a chore. How much more when you have braces that make cleaning your teeth extra tedious. However during the course of your orthodontic treatment, this is when extra careful cleaning is necessary to achieve success.
Bands, brackets and wires make it harder to thoroughly clean your teeth. If your teeth is not cleaned well, food particles can breed bacteria and cause cavities and gum problems. If the gujms swell, they will interfere with your treatment and cause even more pain and discomfort. It will also cause discoloration to your teeth.
How often should I brush?
Ideally, brushing should be done within five minutes after meals – snacks included. Cleaning your teeth eliminates the chance of cavities to develop. So this means you should always have a toothbrush with you for times when you’re away from home.
How do I brush my teeth with dental braces?
- Using a special toothbrsh, clean between wires to rid your tooth and gums of leftover food particles. Ask your orthodontist for suggestions on the kind of toothbrush to use and how to effectively use them.
- Position your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward your gums. Start on the outside part of your upper teeth. Brush in a circular motion with about ten strokes.
- Brush the inner part of your teeth in the same manner.
- Brush chewing surfaces thoroughly.
- Repeat the same procedure with your lower teeth.
- Rinse your mouth and wash your toothbrush well. Smile in the mirror and check if you’ve cleaned all surfaces.
- Using a floss threader, floss between braces atleast once a day.
- There are also other orthodontic cleaning aids you can use like stimudents or toothpicks.
There is also a water oral hygiene device you can use to clean areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. But this only supplements toothbrushing. It is not a substitute.
Dental cleaning with your orthodontist should be done every three to six months when you’re wearing braces or depending on your orthodontist’s reccomendation.
