It is vital to take extra care of your teeth and gums when you have braces to keep them healthy throughout the treatment. It is essential to brush and floss often to prevent any adverse effects on the treatment.
Here are a few instructions that you can follow to maintain good oral hygiene with your braces.
Your oral health after removing the braces depends on how well you take care of your oral hygiene during treatment. Make sure to remove bands, elastics, and other removable parts of your braces before you start brushing.
We recommend brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day, in the morning, night, and if possible after every meal for at least three minutes. Use a bi-level and soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for brushing. You can also use a battery-powered toothbrush specifically designed to clean around orthodontic appliances and increase brushing effectiveness. If you are using an electric toothbrush, there is no need to scrub or press down hard, as it does the work for you. Don’t forget to get a new head for your electric toothbrush every three months.
Make sure to brush the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth thoroughly. Use gentle circular motions keeping the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brushing the areas around brackets and other components properly is vital to remove the food residues. Use back-and-forth motions to brush the chewing surfaces and inner surface of your front teeth.
When you are wearing braces, flossing can be tricky as it takes time and patience. However, it keeps your teeth and braces clean and keeps your treatment on track. We recommend our patients use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Don’t forget to floss the sides of every tooth using a back and forth motion to remove tiny food particles and plaque. Make sure not to snap the floss and move it up and down gently.
We recommend you rinse at least once a day, preferably at bedtime, using a fluoride supplement. It prevents decalcification and tooth decay. It will not only freshen your breath but also helps in preventing cavities and strengthening tooth enamel.
Tiny food particles and plaque may get accumulated on your removable appliances. So, make sure to clean them as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. You can use a Polident, Efferdent, or any other dental appliance-cleaning tablet to soak them at room temperature. It will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation and make them fresher during use.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Carlsbad, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Adams. Please call us at (760) 804-0080 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
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