You’ve always done an excellent job with taking care of your teeth and gums. When you have braces, though, all you can see is a maze of wires, bands, and brackets. By practicing a few new techniques, you can continue with having health gums and teeth.
What to Use to Clean Your Braces
With braces, you can use some of the same tools, but you also need to add some new ones. Here’s a list of what you need to clean your braces.
- Regular soft toothbrush
- Toothpaste with fluoride
- Interproximal brushes
- Dental picks
- Pre-threaded flossers
- Waterpik®
- Mouthwash
How to Brush with Braces
Use a regular soft toothbrush with a normal amount of toothpaste. Move the brush in a gentle, circular motion. Make sure to adjust the brush at different angles. Cover the front and back of each tooth and along the gumline. Also focus on cleaning the wires, bands, and brackets.
Next, use an interproximal brush. These are small, cone-shaped brushes that are perfect for getting under the wires of your braces. Take it slow, and don’t put any pressure on the underside of the wires. Work the brush in the area between the teeth, as well as the front of your teeth. You can use a bit of toothpaste or just water. Rinse the interproximal brush as you go along.
How to Floss with Braces
After you brush, you want to remove any food particles and bacteria that are hiding in tiny spaces between your teeth. You’ll use a combination of pre-threaded flossers and dental picks.
Pre-threaded flossers have plastic handles that let you maneuver the floss a bit better. They are designed to help you move the floss under the wires of your braces. Gently put the floss between your teeth, and move the flosser up and down. Be careful not to put pressure on the wires.
The next step for flossing with braces is to use a dental pick. The picks are thinner than the interproximal brushes and flexible. You will use them to get clean between your teeth from the wire to the gum line. Gently press the dental pick in the space between the teeth. Gently move it in and out as you move toward the gumline.
As a final step for flossing with braces, use a Waterpik® on a low setting. The jet of water is ideal for removing any food particles that remain between your teeth. You can also gently rinse your teeth and braces with the Waterpik®.
Finish with Anti-Cavity Mouthwash
Use an anti-cavity mouthwash to freshen your breath after brushing and flossing. The mouthwash also helps with any bacteria along the gumline.
Can You Use an Electric Toothbrush with Braces?
Oscillating and sonic toothbrushes are safe for braces. Choose a higher quality one that doesn’t vibrate too much. We can recommend some brands that work well. As with a normal toothbrush, use a gentle pressure. Focus on the gumline, and angle the brush as you go along.
Have More Questions About Taking Care of Your Braces?
We are always available to help you take care of your braces and teeth while receiving orthodontic care. Contact us today. We are happy to answer your questions, and schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists.
