Dental braces are wired appliances that are used to straighten and correct crowded teeth, misalignment, underbites, and overbites. Getting the wires done would require you to be consistent when it comes to your oral routine, as caring for your braces is essential for it to be effective. If your dentist advised you to get it done, be prepared as you will need to make some changes to your oral routine.
Dental Cleaning For Braces
How to Choose a Toothbrush
When choosing an orthodontic toothbrush, get one with soft bristles. Orthodontic toothbrushes typically have longer bristles on the edges and shorter bristles in the middle to clean in between teeth. You can also opt for an electric toothbrush. Just use the moderate setting to prevent braces from loosening up.
How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces
Whether you are wearing dental braces or not, it is imperative to brush your teeth regularly. What makes it different now that you are wearing braces is how meticulous you need to be.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree-angle towards your gum. After the gum line, hold it at an angle facing downward on top of the brackets and at an upward angle to clean the bottom of the brackets. Whenever possible, after every meal, brush your teeth for at least two minutes. However, if this is not possible, try to rinse with water or use a mouthwash for braces. Mouthwash with fluoride helps prevent cavities during the treatment.
How to Floss With Braces
Flossing with braces can be challenging, but this step should never be ignored. Flossing gets rid of the tiniest food particles that can’t be easily removed by brushing alone. Floss threaders are made to make your life easier. Just remember to do it gently. Applying too much pressure can cause damage to your braces.
Other Tools You Can Use to Care For Your Braces
Aside from brushing and flossing, there are other tools that can help in caring for your braces. Here are some of them:
- Oral Irrigators – These use high-pressured water steam that can remove food particles stuck in between teeth.
- Interdental Brushes – These brushes are designed to clean areas orthodontic brushes cannot reach.
Caring for Your Braces
Always Check Your Teeth
Right after your oral routine, check your teeth thoroughly in the mirror. Ensure there are no more food particles left. Check if there are loose wires or brackets. If you notice anything loose, visit your dentist right away. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Being mindful of what you eat is part of oral care. While you have braces on, you should avoid foods that are chewy (like caramel), hard (like candy), acidic (like soda or lemon juice), and sugar foods (like sweets or smoothies).
Hard foods can loosen the bands and wires, while chewy foods can be difficult to remove. Acidic and sugary foods can cause stains which can be noticeable when the dental braces are removed later on.
Regularly Visit Your Dentist
Regular dental visits as scheduled by your dentist should always be on your priority list. By paying a regular visit, both the progress of treatment and the cleanliness of your braces are checked.
Set an Appointment with Sunrise Dentistry
If you are in need of a professional dentist in Durango, CO, to get your braces done, you should check out Sunrise Dentistry. Committed to a safer approach to our patient’s oral health, we offer holistic dentistry. We assure you that all your dental needs will be taken care of by the best dentists in Sunrise Dentistry. Schedule an appointment now!
