Braces are there to move teeth into place and give you a radiant smile, but without proper oral hygiene, that radiance you are looking forward to can be dulled by stains and poorly maintained teeth. Braces can be quite the obstacle to contend with when taking care of your teeth, yes, but with this guide you’ll have everything you need to know.  

Clean Deep to Keep Your Mouth Healthy and Beautiful

It is important to brush your teeth after every meal or snack. Braces mean that it is far more likely that food pieces will get caught against your teeth, and if the material in question has high staining capabilities, you could end up with a stain that you won’t be able to address for months, if not years.

1. Brush, Floss, and Use Mouthwash After Every Meal

Always brush, floss, and use mouthwash. This means you will need to keep a kit on you for when you are out and about. Mouthwash with fluoride is particularly important for removing any remaining traces that you could not get out with your toothbrush or your floss.

2. A Dentist-Approved Toothbrush

Choose a toothbrush that your orthodontist approves of. This will be one that offers superior control.

3. A Flossing System – Try a Water Flosser

Oral irrigators or water flossers can be a great way to floss more effectively if you have trouble flossing using regular flossing string. A water flosser can also help remove food particles that your regular floss or toothpaste have lifted up but not removed.

4. Mouthwash You Can Bring on the Go

Bring mouthwash with you in a travel-friendly size so that you can keep your mouth clean.

Tips on How to Brush and Floss Properly

Brushing and flossing with braces requires different skills. You will need to work with your teeth to find a decent method of brushing and flossing.

Be Committed to Your After Meal Dental Routine

Be consistent with brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash after every meal. Doing so will help by making it impossible for food to seep stains into your teeth.

Become a Pro With Your Flosser

You will need to find a way to floss between your teeth and your braces gently. You will need to carefully thread the floss through your brace wire and use gentle motions so that you don’t cut into your gums.

Use the Small Brushes to Get Underneath Your Wires

Your orthodontist will give you a dental kit that includes small brushes. These small brushes are there to brush between the wires of your teeth where your regular brush cannot reach. Use them so that you can remove lingering food, plaque and bacteria.

Braces Mishaps You Don’t Need to Worry About

1. Loose Brackets
2. Broken Wings
3. Loose Spaces
4. Loose Bands

If these situations happen, don’t worry. These things happen even when you do everything correct. If you can, use wax to keep the break in place until you can get an appointment, or, in the case of loose brackets or issues that are cutting into your tongue or cheek, book an emergency appointment.

Put the Effort In for a Beautiful Smile Reveal

Put in the effort next to your braces so that your mouth stays the pinnacle of health and your teeth absolutely shine beautifully when you finally get them removed.

To learn more about our practice visit Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry's Home Page or Contact US for questions. If you enjoyed this article, we invite you to peruse our other Blogs and check out our last article “WHAT TO EXPECT WITH A WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION”.