Braces are a great means of attaining a straight, healthy smile, but they do call for a greater degree of oral hygiene. The brackets and wires create extra room for food particles and plaque to accumulate, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Oral hygiene with braces can be a challenge, but with the proper technique, you can have your gums and teeth in top shape while having orthodontic treatment.
In this full guide, we are going to discuss oral hygiene with braces, the tools you should have, and expert advice from professionals such as Aurora Smiles and Dr. Amul Patel to make sure that your smile is healthy at all times and after your orthodontic treatment.
Why Oral Hygiene is Important with Braces
Braces form tight spaces where food and plaque accumulate. If not removed, the spaces can lead to:
- Cavities: Oral bacteria digest sugars and yield acids, which destroy the enamel to create tooth decay.
- Gum Disease: Plaque buildup that irritates gums can lead to inflammation and bleeding, which may progress to gingivitis or periodontitis.
- White Spots on Teeth: Protracted plaque buildup on teeth can demineralize and cause white permanent spots.
- Bad Breath: Food stuck in braces can enable bacteria to flourish and produce bad breath.
Through good oral hygiene, you can prevent such complications and enjoy healthy, strong teeth throughout your treatment.
Key Oral Hygiene Tools with Braces
To maintain your teeth clean while having braces, you will require more than your regular toothbrush. The following tools are some of those you can use to enjoy great oral hygiene:
- Orthodontic Toothbrush
Cleaning braces is best done using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. There are also orthodontic toothbrushes that are V-shaped, so you can effectively clean around brackets. - Interdental Brushes
They are tiny cone-shaped bristles that can access between wires and brackets and remove plaque and food debris. - Floss Threaders or Water Flossers: It may be tricky to floss if you have braces, but floss threaders will guide the floss behind the wires. Or a water flosser will make it possible for a powerful jet of water to shoot between the teeth and along the gumline.
- Mouthwash: antibacterial mouthwash will loosen plaque, toughen enamel, and make your mouth taste good. Opt for a fluoride mouthwash to add extra protection against cavities.
- Orthodontic Wax: Braces may at times cause irritation to the interior of your lips and cheeks. Orthodontic wax creates a smooth surface, stopping discomfort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Teeth with Braces
Ora hygiene with braces needs to be done regularly and involves an intense cleaning routine. Some steps to keep your teeth clean and healthy with braces are:
- Rinse Your Mouth Before Brushing: Rinse your mouth with water prior to brushing to remove food particles stuck in and around your braces.
- Brush After Every Meal: Because food can readily be trapped with braces, it is crucial to brush after meals. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and do the following:
- Begin by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to brush the gumline.
- Brush the top and bottom of the bracket in a circular motion.
- Brush the teeth individually in a circular motion, cleaning the front and back.
- Don’t overlook brushing your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Floss Daily: Flossing with braces might be challenging, but do so to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth. Use a floss threader or a water flosser for best results.
- Utilize an Interdental Brush: As a supplementary clean, use an interdental brush to reach between your brackets and beneath the wires.
- Mouthwash Rinse: Follow up brushing and flossing with rinsing using antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate any remaining bacteria and harden your enamel.
Food Habits to Protect Your Teeth and Braces
Some foods will most likely create plaque and harm your braces. These are some food practices to have good oral hygiene:
Foods to Avoid
- Sticky and Chewy Foods: gum, caramel, and taffy are sticky and tend to stick in your braces.
- Hard foods: popcorn, hard candy, and nuts tend to crack wires and brackets.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Candy, soda, and sweet foods tend to promote cavities.
Safe Foods to Chew
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Steamed vegetables, berries, and bananas.
- Dairy: Cheese and yogurt are discovered to make teeth stronger.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, and tofu contain nutrients that are crucial for healthy gums.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Seeing your dentist in Stamford, CT, regularly during braces is of prime importance. Regular professional cleaning will help rid your teeth of plaque that often forms in some places and that brushing and flossing miss. Your dentist can also verify that your teeth and gums continue to be as healthy as ever and catch if anything goes amiss with the braces.
Additionally, your orthodontist will make any adjustments needed on your braces, moving your teeth to the position they are supposed to be in. Lack of regular dental check-ups could lead to the treatment being delayed and even sometimes complications.
Dealing with Common Oral Health Complications While Under Orthodontic Braces
Despite good care, some common oral health complications may occur while wearing orthodontic braces. This is how you should handle them:
- Sore Gums and Teeth: You might feel slightly sore after having had braces or adjustments. Swish your mouth with warm saltwater and use painkillers that can be bought over the counter if necessary.
- Irritation From Brackets or Wires: If a wire or bracket is causing irritation on your cheeks and lips, place the rough edges using orthodontic wax.
- Broken Braces or Wires: If you possess a fractured wire, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Waxing any of the rough surfaces and having an appointment with your Stamford dentist as quickly as possible are your best options.
- Bad Breath: As with bad breath, if it is frequent, it might be that food is stuck within your braces. Make sure you are brushing, flossing once a day, and mouthwashing.
Life After Braces: Keeping Your Perfect Smile
After your braces are removed, you will have straighter and healthier-looking teeth, but good oral hygiene is a must. This is what you have to do after braces:
- Wear Your Retainer: Your dentist will provide you with a retainer that will keep your teeth from shifting out of place. Wearing it as instructed will keep them from shifting.
- Keep Up Good Oral Hygiene Habits: Stick with brushing, flossing, and dental checkups to maintain a healthy smile.
- Professional teeth whitening: braces may cause slight discoloration. To get a whiter smile, discuss professional whitening with your dentist.
Final Thoughts
Braces care requires discipline, but it’s certainly worth the exercise. By having a cleaning regimen, staying velocity-free of unhealthy foods, and talking with your dentist in Stamford, CT, you can avoid oral problems and have a healthy smile.
If you need specialized dental care when you are going through orthodontic treatment, the contact Aurora Smiles, and Dr. Amul Patel offers the most professional care available to help care for your gums and teeth throughout their best condition. From their regular cleaning service to advice for oral health or emergency fixation of your braces, their highly trained staff will be there for you. If you care for your teeth well during your braces treatment, you will experience the pleasure of a beautiful, straight smile that will last for decades.