While brushing is always an important part of your dental hygiene routine, brushing your teeth is especially important while wearing braces. Food and plaque often get caught behind the wires and brackets of your braces. When not regularly removed, it can set the stage for staining and gingivitis. The last thing you probably want once your braces are removed is to have new problems, requiring additional oral treatment. So how can you avoid this? Adopting a regular brushing schedule while wearing braces is a great place to start.
You may have heard at some point in your life that it is best to brush after every meal. While this is excellent advice, you may not have always followed it for one reason or another. It may be difficult to remember to brush after every single meal, especially at a restaurant, or during the work or school day. Well, with metal braces, brushing after eating is vital to the success of your orthodontic treatment. Put it on your to-do list and make it a habit. You’ll be glad you did!
Tips to Make Brushing With Braces Easy
- Use a Special Toothbrush When Wearing Braces: While a regular soft-bristled toothbrush can work, more advanced brushes can clean behind and around your braces better. The Proxabrush, which is also referred to as the ‘Christmas tree brush,’ helps you remove more plaque and food. You can also use a sonic toothbrush (electric brush) carefully around the braces to clean more effectively.
- Regular & Thorough Brushing When Wearing Braces: Brush each tooth surface, as well as around each part of your braces. Brushing after every meal and snack is strongly recommended when wearing braces. If you can’t brush your teeth immediately after eating, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water.
- Replace Your Toothbrush Often When Wearing Braces: Braces can wear down the bristles of your brush quickly. You should replace your toothbrush at the first sign of frayed bristles to ensure the cleanest mouth possible.
- Don’t Forget Your Gums & Tongue: Rub your brush in a circular motion along the gums to keep them healthy and clean off plaque near the gum line. Scrubbing your tongue helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- Inspect Your Braces Regularly: If your braces are shiny, then you’re doing an excellent job keeping them clean. If you notice a dull or fuzzy appearance to your braces, it could mean you need to brush more regularly. Dullness is a sign that braces are not being kept clean enough.
Brushing your teeth may take a bit more time than it did before you had braces, but it will be well worth the effort in the end. A healthy, clean mouth will ensure that your braces work effectively, and you avoid certain oral concerns. The steps you take now will also most likely become habitual, so you continue great brushing habits long after your braces are removed. A clean, sparkling smile can be an asset you maintain all your life with proper hygiene techniques.
Read on more about keeping care of your toothbrush from this post from the American Dental Association http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/toothbrushes
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our orthodontics office would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
Wilson Orthodontics For Braces
Specializing In SureSmile, Invisalign & Damon Braces In Durham & Oxford, NC
Oxford & Durham, NC Orthodontist, Dr. Wilson of Wilson Orthodontics offers the most advanced braces for children and adults, including Invisalign clear aligners, Damon braces, SureSmile braces and traditional metal braces.
Contact us today for a complimentary orthodontic and braces exam at either of our orthodontic offices conveniently located in Durham and Oxford, North Carolina (NC).