02/28/2022
Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner
Everyone knows that there is no better way to get a straight smile than utilizing braces. But, as common as that knowledge is, the bad press about life with braces is just as common, making some patients put off treatment or, worse, not maintain adequate oral health care during their treatment.
While wearing braces makes life a bit different, brushing your teeth with braces isn’t too different from brushing your teeth without braces. You’ll find you have to take caution as it can be tricky to brush around the brackets and wires properly without damaging them. Still, it is crucial to get any food debris and bacteria that may build up to avoid more serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Successful orthodontic treatment and a healthy and beautiful smile result from a team effort among you, your doctor, and your family dentist. At Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, our team is dedicated to giving patients of all ages exceptional orthodontic care. You only get one smile, and you can trust Dr. Leaver, Dr. Gardner, and our skilled team to provide you with the care you deserve. Let’s look at some tips for effective teeth brushing with braces.
Because the brackets and wires can create small gaps, food and debris easily get lodged in those spaces. Typically, the particles stuck here are large enough to be noticeable and easily dislodged with a bit of rinsing. If you can’t brush immediately after a meal, at least be sure to rinse your mouth as thoroughly as possible.
To remove any loose food particles that may have gathered underneath and around the brackets, gargle warm water and spit it into the sink before brushing. You may need to do this a couple to a few times if you find you are getting a lot of debris out. Rinse until the water you spit is clear. Once there are no longer pieces of debris, you can begin brushing your teeth.
Not all kinds of toothpaste are created equally, and if you aren’t using a quality option, you may as well not be using any toothpaste at all. Since choosing the right toothpaste can depend on your specific needs, Dr. Leaver or Dr. Gardner can give you recommendations that will work well for your needs.
The one common thread in a quality toothpaste is the ingredient fluoride. Fluoride is a common natural mineral that fights cavities and protects your tooth’s outer layer, or enamel. The American Dental Association recommends toothpaste with fluoride to combat and neutralize bacteria. While there have been claims that too much fluoride can be harmful to the body, the ADA has numerous studies showing that an approved dose of fluoride is essential for optimal dental health.
As with just about any other product you can purchase, toothpaste with the approved amount of fluoride comes in many different strengths and flavors to satisfy all needs and preferences. There are even fun ADA and kid-approved options like ‘Wild Strawberry’ and ‘Blue Raspberry’ from Hello Kids, and Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste for children in ‘Outrageous Orange Mango.’
Once your braces are applied, you may briefly experience minor gum sensitivity or inflammation, but this will wear off quickly. As it does, make sure you are brushing not just the brackets and wires on the front faces of your teeth but that you are going all the way to your gums to get the plaque and debris that builds up there as well.
Plus, brushing below your teeth provides a little massage for sore gums and can even stimulate flow to the area to help them heal quicker.
Knowing what to do when it comes to cleaning the brackets and wires of your braces can be daunting and no easy feat. For the most part, it is the same process as brushing your teeth without braces, back and forth. But, with brackets on, you will need to adjust your brush placement to get a good angle on them. Brushing down from the top of the bracket, up from the bottom, and in a circular angle around them will help get those hard-to-reach places.
Just be sure not to apply too much pressure to damage the wires or brackets themselves. If you are using an electric toothbrush, dial back the intensity or even opt for a standard brush as you get to the pressure needed to clean your teeth with braces properly.
There is no denying that having braces takes a bit of time and effort. It was tricky enough to get to the two-minute mark without braces, and the added complications of brackets and wires being in the way can make you want to rush and skip necessary steps. But, it is essential to take your time when brushing with braces to ensure the best results in the long run.
Singing a song or reciting a poem can help you pace yourself, and most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that can keep you accountable while giving you an extra hand at the actual cleaning, as well.
While flossing is one of the most practical steps of oral health, it is often the most overlooked step, too- especially when you have braces’ hardware making the challenge a bit more complicated. You must not skip this step as debris, plaque, and bacteria can become lodged between teeth and brackets and lead to tooth decay or gum disease, like gingivitis.
There are also disposable flossing sticks that patients can use in a pinch to get to hard-to-reach places where debris can be lodged. Your orthodontist will likely also give you a tool, like an interdental proxy brush, to help make this process easier.
Once you have brushed and flossed your teeth, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth out again with warm water to get any of the loose particles knocked free during the process.
We know sometimes things just happen, or you may occasionally forget a step. Still, proper brushing and flossing during your orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference in your smile results and overall oral health. It is worth the time!
We’d like to personally welcome you to visit one of our two state-of-the-art orthodontic offices in the Las Vegas Valley. We’ve been delivering top-notch quality orthodontic care for years, and we always make sure you leave our office happy. When things happen, or if you need more tips on brushing with braces, get in touch with our team of experts today to schedule your FREE consultation.
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