If you recently have gotten braces, or are going to soon, congratulations on taking a step toward a healthier smile. You may be concerned, however, with how you will keep your teeth clean while you have them. After all, you want your newly straightened smile to shine when the braces come off! The following guide is designed to explain some of the best ways to brush and floss while wearing these devices.
How to Brush
You will still want to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes while your braces are on. Mentally divide your mouth into four quadrants and aim for spending 30 seconds in each. When it comes to brushing, follow these steps:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This is a great way to help loosen any food particles that have become caught in your brackets and wires.
- Gently brush the front of your teeth, holding your brush at a 45-degree angle. Start at the gum line, then hit both above and below the bracket. Take your time and ensure you get every tooth thoroughly.
- Repeat step two, only focusing on the back of the teeth this time.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Rinse again and examine your teeth in the mirror to ensure there are no remaining food particles.
If you are struggling to clean the areas near the brackets and wires, look into a specialized brush. Our orthodontist can help you and make recommendations.
How to Floss
It is also very important to floss your teeth a minimum of once a day. This is admittedly trickier with braces, but far from impossible. You can invest in a specialized tool called a floss threader. This will help you get the floss in between your teeth underneath the main archwire. Be sure to go gently so that the floss does not snap.
If you are concerned about your child flossing properly with braces, it is a good idea to do it for them. Plaque and bacteria can easily get caught in between the teeth and braces, leading to further dental concerns down the line.
Learn More
Regular checkups are as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to braces. If you are overdue for a visit or have further questions, get in touch with Central Texas Orthodontics and schedule a time to come see us. We would be more than happy to provide you with all of the necessary information. Contact us today to book your appointment at our office in Austin, TX.
