Oral Hygiene With Braces
Oral Hygiene with Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment, especially when wearing braces. Braces create extra spaces where food particles and plaque can get trapped, making it important to be diligent about cleaning your teeth and gums.
Brushing with Braces
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, ensuring you clean around the brackets and wires.
- Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, to remove any trapped food particles
Flossing with Braces
- Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires.
- Gently work the floss between your teeth, being careful not to damage the wires or brackets.
- Floss at least once a day to prevent plaque buildup.
Interdental Brushes
These small brushes can reach areas around brackets and between teeth more easily than regular brushes.
Mouthwash
Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash helps prevent cavities and strengthens tooth enamel.
Water Flossers
These can be a helpful alternative to traditional floss, using a stream of water to clean around brackets and between teeth.