Brushing teeth with braces can be difficult, but it only takes a bit of practice to get the correct technique down pat. To help you stay on top of oral hygiene during the time you or your child are navigating orthodontic treatment, here are some tips on brushing teeth with braces from the dental team at Withers Dental.
1. Stick to a routine
For most circumstances, you should be brushing your teeth twice per day: once in the morning and once before bed. While it’s important not to overbrush your teeth, you may find that with braces, you need to brush a little bit more often than before, especially after eating to remove any food that has gotten stuck around the brackets and wires.
Our dentists recommend a regular tooth brush after each meal or sugary drink. If you don’t have the chance, you will need to at least vigorously rinse your mouth with water.
2. Invest in the right tools
The best way to brush your teeth with braces is by using an electric toothbrush that has round, soft bristles and a small head. Gentle on the gums and the braces themselves, an electric toothbrush can reach all those hard-to-reach places, like between your brackets and wires.
Proxabrushes, also known as interdental brushes (they look like a mixture of a toothpick and a mascara brush), can be really useful for cleaning between your teeth and brackets and removing any food that might be stuck to prevent irritation.
3. Brush from all angles
Brush your teeth from all angles, not just the front. Gum disease is common among people with braces because they tend to brush only the visible surfaces of their teeth, but it’s important to also brush the gum line and back of your teeth where plaque can build up.
It’s also crucial that you clean your tongue because food particles can accumulate there and get stuck between your braces.
4. Floss every day
Try to floss your teeth every day as this will help keep your gums healthy and prevent tartar build-up and gum disease. To floss properly, you’ll need about 18 inches of floss, which you can wind around one hand so it’s easy to control. Put the floss between two teeth, wrap it around the base, and slide the floss back out. Repeat this process for each tooth. If you’re looking for something more convenient, a water flosser could be a good investment.
5. Rinse before and after
It’s important to rinse your mouth before you brush as this will help to dislodge food particles and debris, making it easier for your toothbrush to do its job. Rinse again after brushing to remove any remaining food particles and plaque. Antibacterial mouthwash can also help to remove germs and improve the smell of your breath. After the final rinse, check your teeth and braces in the mirror to see if you have missed any bits of food or debris.
If you have any further questions about caring for your teeth and braces, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Withers Dental today.