One way to improve the appearance of your smile and give your self-esteem a boost is to get braces. Braces straighten teeth that are crooked and adjust a bite that's misaligned. Although braces usually do more good than harm in the long run, they do present their own set of challenges.
Keeping your teeth clean can be tricky with braces. While you might not need to use a special toothbrush for braces, you might need to increase how frequently you brush and add a few oral care tools to your routine.
Be Extra Diligent About Oral Hygiene With Braces
Wearing braces, particularly metal braces, can make it easier for food to get stuck on or between the teeth. Pieces of food trapped in the mouth can speed up the formation of plaque, which increases the risk of tooth decay. The Specialist Dental Group stresses the importance of keeping your teeth clean when you have braces as the lack of care may lead to serious oral health issues resulting in longer treatment time.
When you have braces, you might find that you need to brush after each meal or after having a snack, rather than just twice a day. It's also important to floss when you have braces to remove anything that gets lodged between your teeth or in the space between the tooth and the archwire.
How to Clean Teeth With Braces
In many ways, brushing your teeth with your braces on is going to be similar to the way you brushed your teeth before you had braces. The ideal toothbrush for braces will have soft bristles and a small head. It should feel comfortable in your hand and fit in your mouth without trouble. You'll also want to use a fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities.
Place a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush, then hold the brush against the back of the teeth at a 45-degree angle. Use small circular movements to clean one or two teeth at a time. Once you've cleaned every tooth, repeat the same motion on the front of the teeth.
Since you are likely to clean your teeth more often when you have braces, you might find that you need to replace your toothbrush more frequently. It's time for a new toothbrush when the bristles on your current one are worn out or starting to lean to the sides.
The Braces Toolbox
Although having braces doesn't mean that you need to run out and buy a special toothbrush, it might mean that you should consider investing in a few new tools to help keep your teeth and gums clean. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends using a floss threader to make it easier to get the floss between your teeth, gums and under the archwire. You can also use an interdental brush, which is a short, bristled tool that can reach under the archwire or between the brackets and remove trapped bits of food. An interdental brush can also be used to clean between your teeth.
For those times when you can't brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water. Water won't scrub the surface of your teeth, but it can help rinse away particles of food. The AAO notes that water can help lower the acidity in your mouth, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay.
If you have any questions about how to keep your teeth as clean as possible when you have braces, your dentist or orthodontist will be able to answer them. They can recommend an oral care routine that works with your schedule, lowers your risk of developing tooth decay and helps you achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you're looking for.
