Maintaining clean and healthy teeth is crucial, especially when you have braces. The brackets, wires, and other components of braces can create some extra challenges when it comes to oral hygiene. However, with a little practice and extra care, you can ensure your teeth remain sparkling and free from plaque and food particles. Here we explain the answer to the query on how to brush teeth with braces.
How To Brush Teeth With Braces?
1. Establishing a Routine
Wearing braces can make it easier to miss buildup on your teeth, so it’s important to establish a routine for brushing. Aim to brush your teeth after eating, including snacks if possible. This helps stop plaque and food particles from lingering long enough to cause problems.
2. Gather Your Tools
Before you begin brushing, make sure you have all the necessary tools within reach. These include a cup, non abrasive toothpaste, a manual or electric toothbrush, floss with a floss threader or a water flosser, proxabrushes (also known as go-between brushes or interdental brushes), mouthwash, and a mirror.
3. Start With a Swish
Take a cup of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly. Swishing the water around your mouth before brushing helps loosen any food particles or debris, making it easier to remove them. Remove any elastics, bands, or removable orthodontic pieces and keep them in a safe place.
4. Understand The Angles
After rinsing your toothbrush and applying a small amount of nonabrasive toothpaste, it’s time to brush. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush softly in the direction of gum line. Adjust the angle of the toothbrush to reach the tops of your brackets. Then, reposition the toothbrush to an upward angle, allowing you to brush under the brackets and wire. Make sure to clean each tooth thoroughly, and remember to brush the chewing and inner surfaces.
5. Take Your Time
Brushing your teeth with braces requires patience and thoroughness. According to professionals, it is advised to dedicate a minimum of two minutes to actively brushing your teeth. However, it might require more time, particularly when you’re initially adjusting to brushing with braces. If you encounter difficulties in reaching all the tooth surfaces due to the presence of wires and brackets, it’s worth considering the use of a proxabrush following your regular brushing regimen. Its small size and flexibility make cleaning around and under your braces easier.
6. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing remains crucial to maintaining dental hygiene, even when wearing braces. While flossing may present additional challenges with brackets and wires, it is vital to prioritize this practice. If you opt for string floss, employ a floss threader to navigate around your braces effectively. Exercise care as you glide the floss along your teeth and gums. Alternatively, a water flosser can be used to cleanse the narrow gaps between your teeth.
7. Rinse with Mouthwash
After brushing and flossing, clean your mouth with a mouthwash that is antibacterial. This helps eliminate germs, remove any remaining food particles, and freshen your breath.
8. Double-Check Your Work
Before concluding your teeth brushing routine, take a moment to examine your teeth in a mirror and assess your efforts. This step allows you to evaluate your brushing technique and make necessary adjustments.
Once satisfied with your work, reattach any elastics, bands, or removable orthodontic appliances, and ensure that all your tools are stored properly.
By following these steps and dedicating a few extra minutes to your oral hygiene routine, you can effectively maintain clean and healthy teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. Remember, brushing with braces is essential for achieving a beautiful, straight smile in the long run.
Final Words: How To Brush Teeth With Braces?
Learning the proper way to clean your teeth when you have braces is incredibly important to prevent harmful plaque buildup, unsightly stains, and tooth decay. If you have any concerns or difficulties reaching certain areas while brushing your teeth with braces, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your dentist during your next appointment. They can provide valuable advice, and tips to ensure your dental hygiene is on point.
