Taking care of your teeth is serious business. Cleaning teeth with braces is even more serious. According to OralB.com, good cleaning habits are important for orthodontic patients because poor care can cause unattractive permanent stains and lengthen treatment time. To properly care for your teeth and braces, you need to have the right teeth tools and know how to do the job.
Brushing
Brush your braces after every meal. Always use a high quality soft-bristled toothbrush. A hard brush is too abrasive and could remove tooth enamel or damage your braces. It could also cause gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth to decay and sensitivity.
When brushing your braces, place your toothbrush at an angle so you can feel it on your gum line. Use oval or circular motions, cleaning above and below each bracket. Rinse your toothbrush often and allow it to air dry. Don’t put it in a container or drawer, because a warm and moist environment allows bacteria to grow. Change your toothbrush when it shows signs of wear.
Proxabrush
Use an interdental toothbrush, such as Proxabrush, to clean in and around your braces. It looks like a little Christmas tree. Be gentle to avoid damaging your braces.
Floss
Flossing is important to prevent permanent spots on teeth and swollen gums. It’s usually best to use Superfloss for flossing braces. Superfloss has a stiff straight end to make threading easier. Floss above your braces, moving the floss in a C shape against your tooth, and also below. Floss at least once a day before bedtime.
WaterPik
The WaterPik Flosser used with orthodontic tips can make cleaning around your braces easier because it shoots water into hard-to-reach areas.
Fluoride Rinse
Use a fluoride rinse before bedtime. Fluoride rinses can be purchased over the counter.
Mouth Guard
Wear a mouth guard if you participate in contact sports while wearing braces. Getting hit in the mouth without a mouth guard not only hurts, but could dislodge your braces and cause expensive repairs.
Dental Wax
Use dental wax to hold dislodged wires or other parts of your braces in place until you can get into the office for a repair. We have provided you with wax, but it can also be purchased over the counter. In order to get the wax to adhere, dry off the application area with a cotton swab. Pinch off a small portion of wax and roll it into a ball before applying. Use your fingertips to mold it into shape. Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling dental wax.
Managing Discomfort
It’s not unusual to have soreness or discomfort after having your braces adjusted. Over-the-counter analgesics such as Advil, Motrin or Tylenol can give relief. Rinsing with one teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water is also helpful. Performing clenching exercises on a bite wafer immediately after an adjustment can also lessen your discomfort.
If you have any questions about the right teeth tools or what may be right for you, contact our office today.
Visit our website to view a video on how to properly clean your teeth and braces.
