Braces are an incredible tool for achieving a beautiful, straight smile, but they also require a diligent oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy. As a journey that ultimately results in a more confident smile, managing your oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment is crucial. So, let’s dive into some practical and effective tips for maintaining oral hygiene with braces that can help you achieve the best results possible.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters Even More with Braces
Braces create tiny spaces where food particles can easily get trapped, leading to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If not removed, it can turn into tartar—a hard mineral buildup that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. With the increased risk of these issues, maintaining a perfect oral hygiene routine is essential while wearing braces.
Moreover, any cavities or gum issues that develop during the treatment can extend the time you need to wear braces. It can also lead to visits to the dentist, delaying the progress and adding extra costs. Therefore, keeping a keen eye on oral hygiene can save both time and money.
Daily Brushing and Flossing: The Foundations
Though brushing and flossing seem like basic steps, they become the cornerstone of oral hygiene when you have braces. You should aim to brush your teeth after every meal to ensure no food particles remain stuck in the brackets or wires.
Brush with Care: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Gently brush around wires and pins. Ensure you spend at least two minutes on this task, giving equal attention to each part of your mouth.
Electric toothbrushes can be an excellent investment as they offer the power to remove more plaque and debris. Some even come with orthodontic-specific heads designed to clean around braces effectively.
Don’t Forget Flossing: Flossing with braces can be a bit tricky, but skipping it isn’t an option. You can use a floss threader, which acts like a needle to help you pass the floss between your braces. Alternatively, consider interdental brushes or water flossers, as they are user-friendly and effective tools for cleaning between teeth.
Choose the Right Cleaning Aids
Since traditional toothbrushes may not always reach all areas effectively with braces, additional tools are necessary.
Interproximal Brushes: These are tiny, cone-shaped brushes that go between the wires and teeth to remove food particles. They are very handy for specific areas such as the region behind the arches.
Water Flossers: If you find flossing challenging, water flossers can be a worthwhile investment. They shoot a pressurized stream of water into your mouth, removing plaque, food, and bacteria stuck between the teeth and braces.
Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial and fluoride mouthwash will help fight off cavities and inflammation. Be sure to swish the mouthwash around your mouth for a full minute to ensure it’s effective.
Food Choices Matter
Wearing braces might require you to make some dietary changes to protect your brackets and wires. Sticky candies, crunchy snacks, and hard foods, such as popcorn and nuts, can damage the braces.
Consume Soft Foods: Opt for soft foods that are less likely to get stuck between your brackets or cause damage. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, and scrambled eggs.
Avoid Sugary Beverages: Drinks high in sugar content like sodas and juices can lead to tooth decay. Water is always the best choice, especially after meals to help rinse away leftover food particles and bacteria.
Regular Professional Cleanings and Checkups
Even with the most diligent at-home routine, regular professional cleanings and orthodontic checkups remain a must. These appointments allow for the early detection and management of any potential oral health issues.
If you are seeking a reliable place for maintaining your oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment, consider the services offered by South Surrey orthodontics. Their professional expertise ensures that your braces journey is smooth and effective.
During your dental visits, make sure to ask about any concerns regarding your dental care routine. Your dentist or hygienist can guide you on adjusting your habits to better suit your orthodontic needs.
When to Seek Expert Help
Despite your best efforts, issues can arise. In cases where you notice changes such as significant discomfort, prolonged gum bleeding, or strange odors, it is vital to consult with your orthodontist or dentist immediately to address and rectify the situation.
An orthodontist in Clayton Heights, for instance, can provide specialized care to ensure that your treatment continues efficiently without any impediments arising from oral health issues.
Incorporating Braces-Friendly Habits
Developing braces-friendly habits is essential to achieve the best oral hygiene. Begin with small, daily consistent efforts. Habits once formed become second nature, helping you keep a healthy mouth throughout your treatment.
Keeping a braces care kit on hand with tools like travel toothbrushes, a mirror, and orthodontic wax can be helpful when you’re on the go. This can facilitate immediate cleaning and care, ensuring comfort and cleanliness no matter where you are.
Aside from the physical tools, having a positive mindset plays a role in maintaining good oral hygiene. Celebrate small wins, like flossing consistently for a week or managing to keep your braces intact during a sports event. This positivity can encourage you to maintain the best practices throughout.
Post-Braces Care: Retainers and More
Even after the braces come off, retainers become a critical component in ensuring that your teeth remain in their new position. Align yourself with a professional orthodontic practice that understands post-brace care, such as those offering orthodontics for adults and teens at VIVA Orthodontics.
Caring for your retainers much like you did with your braces is necessary. Regular cleaning ensures they do not harbor bacteria that could harm your oral health. Many times, orthodontists provide a specific guide and cleaning supplies to assist in this phase.
Remember that the journey doesn’t end with the removal of braces. The effort you invest in oral hygiene continues, but with less complication, ensuring the longevity of your achieved beautiful smile.