Wearing braces comes with some challenges, but they’re temporary and a minor nuisance when you consider the healthy, straight smile that will eventually emerge. The best way to keep orthodontic treatment on track is to keep your dental braces and teeth super clean. Make these efforts part of your daily routine and they’ll become easier to manage and complete.
1. Brush Often
Brush your teeth and braces morning and night, and after meals and snacks. Use a soft, round-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to reach every nook and cranny. Don’t just brush the dental braces hardware or just your tooth enamel – brush everything, above and below the brackets, including your gums and behind your teeth.
2. Invest in a Waterpik
You don’t need a ton of new teeth-cleaning tools when you have dental braces, but adding a few items to your arsenal is a good idea. A waterpik makes it far easier to push gunk out from between teeth, brackets, and wires and to get around the gumline, thanks to a powerful jet of water. Combine this effort with a flexible interdental brush or orthodontic floss for a truly thorough cleansing.
3. Rinse Your Teeth
There are a few smart ways to rinse teeth covered by braces. If you don’t have the opportunity or time to brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any unwanted particles. Brush as soon as you can after. After cleaning, use mouthwash to keep your mouth fresh and clear, kill leftover bacteria, and wash away plaque. Mouthwash is a great addition to an oral hygiene routine, especially when your teeth are feeling sore or sensitive and brushing thoroughly is difficult.
4. See Your Dentist More Often
It’s important to keep up with regular dental cleanings and checkups when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. The hygienist will deliver a thorough scouring of your teeth and make sure nothing is caught in the orthodontic hardware. If you are susceptible to cavities, consider increasing these teeth cleanings to every three or four months instead of six while wearing braces.
5. Keep Teeth-Cleaning Tools Clean
Teeth-cleaning products do not last forever. In fact, when you wear braces they may not last more than a month or two. When it comes to toothbrushes or electric brush heads, keep a close eye on their wear and tear and replace them about every six weeks. The same goes for the waterpik heads – when it’s cloudy, change it, usually every few months. Interdental brushes and floss are typically one-use items.
6. Listen to Your Orthodontist
It’s important to keep teeth and braces clean to ensure orthodontic treatment progresses properly, and to prevent tooth decay or other infections from developing so there aren’t any setbacks in getting an aligned smile.
At Lawrenceville Orthodontists, we consider it a privilege to guide our patients and help them achieve a manageable teeth-cleaning routine so they can keep their treatment on track. Anyone who wears braces must prioritize oral health to ensure the best possible results after treatment – good oral hygiene is more important than ever. Visit us in Lawrenceville, NJ, or Philadelphia, PA, to learn more. Schedule an appointment.