Anyone who’s had braces knows that they can be tricky to keep clean. The difficulty will be well worth it, though; otherwise, you’ll likely have to deal with tooth trouble for years after the braces come off. Follow these steps to get your teeth sparkling white between your orthodontist visits.
Brush Frequently
You’re probably used to brushing your teeth once or twice a day, but that’s below the minimum for braces-wearers. A good rule of thumb is to brush around four times a day: after every meal, if you can manage it, and before bed. If you don’t get a chance to clean your teeth at each of these times, rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating.
Brushing requires more care and precision when braces are involved, and it starts with the right toothbrush: soft bristles, either manual or battery-operated. Work on your teeth for a full two minutes, going around every part of each tooth and bracket. Don’t forget your gums and the roof of your mouth.
If you are keen to make sure you are brushing properly, you might want to begin by speaking with your dentist. If you have a good dentist like KB Dental, then they will be more than happy to discuss this with you, and they will be full of great tips about how to ensure you are brushing thoroughly and properly, in a way that will help to keep your teeth and braces as clean as possible.
It is always a good idea to speak with your dentist about these matters.
Eat Carefully
Your orthodontist probably gave you a list of foods to avoid with your braces, but a reminder never hurts. Some foods are known to increase the rate of tooth decay, like sugary or starchy snacks or drinks. Acidic food can be even worse, causing damage to the enamel on your teeth. Any of these, if left to themselves, will cause your teeth to rot and grow unhealthy, so if you choose to partake, eat small amounts and brush afterward.
Some foods will help your teeth stay healthy, especially cheese, yogurt, apples, and carrots, so stock up on these snacks to protect your oral health. Apples and carrots can be tricky to eat with braces, so make sure you chop them into bite-size pieces before eating to prevent any slip-ups or stuck snacks.
Use Tools Appropriately
You probably come home from each appointment with picks, mirrors, and other handy gadgets to make taking care of your teeth a piece of cake. They only work if you make use of them, though, so clean your brackets consistently and as your doctor shows you.
Flossing requires particular care with braces since ordinary methods are ineffective for removing the debris between your teeth. Instead, you’ll need to use the flossing needles provided by your orthodontist — comprised of thin and flexible plastic that you can thread a piece of floss onto to reach the gaps between each tooth.
