Dental Hygiene with Braces that You Should Follow

One popular orthodontic therapy for misaligned teeth and jaws is braces. Even while braces are quite helpful, wearing them might make it difficult to maintain dental hygiene with braces. In addition to ensuring a satisfactory outcome, proper maintenance is necessary to maintain the general health of your gums and teeth. If you have braces, this blog will offer comprehensive instructions on how to take care of your braces at home and keep your teeth healthy. It will cover everything from food and braces care routine & tips for dental checkups to brushing and flossing to take care of braces at home.

What Challenges Does Braces Bring to You and Your Dental Health?

Having braces makes it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Braces are made up of wires and brackets that add more surfaces for plaque and food particles to collect. Because these regions are harder to clean, there is a higher chance of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Increased Plaque Accumulation: The sticky film of germs that accumulates on teeth is called plaque, and braces give plaque plenty of places to hide.
Food Traps: It is difficult to remove food particles by braces care routine brushing and flossing because they can quickly become lodged in and around the brackets and wires.
Gum Health: Because it can be challenging to keep the area clean, gingivitis, or inflammation and swelling of the gums, might happen more frequently.

What Is the Right Way to Brush with Braces?

How do I take care of my teeth with braces? When wearing braces, it's imperative to wash your teeth properly to maintain good dental hygiene. Can I brush normally with braces? This is the proper way to brush:

Select the Right Toothbrush: Use a toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush fitted with an orthodontic head specifically made for braces. Make sure it can reach every area of your mouth, including the spaces surrounding the wires and brackets.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps shield teeth from cavities and fortifies tooth enamel. Pick a fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Can I Clean My Teeth With Braces? Yes, Use These Brushing Techniques

Angle Your Brush: Position your toothbrush such that it is 45 degrees away from your gum line. Circular motions should be gently brushed.
Focus on Each Bracket: Cleaning the front, rear, and chewing surfaces of your teeth is important, so make sure to brush around each bracket and wire.
Brush for Two Minutes: Make sure you brush for two minutes straight, twice a day.
Interdental brushes: These are tiny, cone-shaped brushes that are used to clean in between brackets and wires. They assist get rid of plaque and food particles that a typical toothbrush could miss.

What Is the Right Way to Floss with Braces?

How do I take care of my teeth with braces? Although it can be more difficult when wearing braces, flossing is just as necessary. Here are some pointers to help simplify it:

Use a Floss Threader: Dental floss can be guided beneath the wires of your braces with the aid of this easy-to-use, low-cost instrument.
Super Floss: Specialized floss made for braces and bridges is called Super Floss. It features ordinary floss for plaque removal, a spongy section for cleaning around equipment, and a rigid end that can be threaded under braces.
Water Flosser: Also referred to as an oral irrigator, a water flosser employs a stream of water to clean plaque and food residue from braces and the spaces between teeth. It can be very useful for people who wear braces.
Daily Schedule: Try to floss once a day or more. It may need more time than normal, but keeping cavities and gum disease at bay is essential.

What Dietary Points to Remember When You Are Wearing Braces? List of Food to Avoid With Braces

How do you keep your mouth healthy with braces? When wearing braces, your diet is crucial to maintaining dental health. What foods should I avoid with braces? Here are some meals that can harm braces or raise the risk of tooth problems:

Avoid Chewy and Sticky Foods: Taffy, caramel, and chewing gum are examples of foods that can adhere to braces and be challenging to remove.
Hard and Crunchy Foods: Steer clear of foods that are hard and can damage wires or brackets, such as popcorn, nuts, and hard sweets. Before consuming, chop fruits and vegetables into little pieces.
Restrict Sugary Foods and Beverages: Sugar-filled meals and drinks may make cavities more likely. To lessen the effects, wash your teeth after consuming them.
Healthy Substitutes: Choose whole grains, dairy products, lean meats, soft fruits, and veggies. These meals can improve general oral health and are less likely to cause damage.

Why Is It Important to Regularly Visit Dentist When You Have Braces?

When wearing braces, braces care routine dental cleanings and examinations are crucial. Your orthodontist and dentist can keep an eye on your development and handle any problems that may come up.

Orthodontic Adjustments: You must see your orthodontist on a regular basis to have your braces adjusted. These check-ins guarantee that your therapy is proceeding according to schedule.
Expert Cleanings: It is essential to get professional cleanings every six months, or as suggested. Dental hygienists are skilled in cleaning hard-to-reach places with consistent brushing and flossing.
Fluoride Treatments: To help shield your teeth from decay, your dentist may suggest fluoride treatments. These therapies may offer an additional line of protection.

How Can You Manage Discomfort When You Have Braces On?

How to take care of braces pain? Braces can often cause some discomfort, especially after modifications. Here are some pointers for controlling annoyance and taking care of braces pain:

Orthodontic Wax: If your mouth is being irritated by brackets and wires, you can apply orthodontic wax on them. This lessens friction and shields your cheeks and gums.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Following adjustments, painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.
Saltwater Rinse: Applying a warm saltwater rinse helps relieve gum irritation and lower inflammation. Pour a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of salt in it, then rinse your mouth for 30 seconds.
Soft Foods: To reduce discomfort when eating, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies after making changes.

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies In Case Of Wearing Braces

There may be times when you have an orthodontic emergency. By being aware of how to respond in these circumstances, more issues can be avoided.

Loose Brackets: Until you see your orthodontist, you can use orthodontic wax to temporarily bind loose brackets.
Broken Wires: Use a clean pair of tweezers to realign the wire if it breaks and starts to poke your cheek or gums. Alternatively, cover the end with orthodontic wax.
Lost Separators: Before your next appointment, separators, which are tiny rubber bands, may occasionally fall out. Speak with your orthodontist to see if they require replacement.
Severe Pain or Discomfort: Get in touch with your orthodontist right once if you are experiencing significant pain or discomfort that you are unable to manage with over-the-counter painkillers.

Which Special Tools and Products Can Help You For Your Braces?

Many products are made especially to help maintain dental hygiene with braces and comfort for those wearing braces.

Orthodontic Toothbrushes: V-shaped bristles on orthodontic toothbrushes allow them to more thoroughly clean around wires and brackets.
Orthodontic Flossers: These flossers make flossing easier because of their tiny tip, which fits in between braces and teeth.
Mouth Rinses: Mouth rinses with antimicrobial agents can help lower oral bacteria levels and support healthy gum tissue. Rinses with fluoride can also aid in cavity prevention.
Interdental brushes: As previously shown, these tiny brushes are capable of thoroughly cleaning in between wires and brackets.

When you wear braces, taking care of your teeth demands more time and focus. You may maintain dental hygiene with braces, avoid dental problems, and make sure your orthodontic treatment is successful by adhering to the advice and instructions in this blog. Never forget that taking care of your teeth today will pay dividends in the future with a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Physical Appointment

Video Consultation

Blog Details

Caring for Your Teeth if You Have Braces