For many people, braces can be challenging to keep clean, but you shouldn’t neglect cleaning them. If you do, they may build up tartar and plaque that could harm your teeth. For this reason, consider these methods from a Chester County orthodontics expert if you’re looking for advice on properly cleaning your braces.
Which Cleaning Method Is Best for Braces?
How Should I Brush My Teeth While Wearing Braces?
Rinse your mouth with water before brushing to remove any food debris clinging to your braces. Before adding toothpaste, rinse your toothbrush to remove any dirt or bacteria that may have remained from your previous brushing.
You should devote at least 30 seconds to your mouth’s four quadrants. Each side is divided from your first central tooth to your last molar. Hold your toothbrush correctly at a 45-degree angle above the gum line. Remember to clean over and around each bracket when brushing the outside of your braces and teeth.
Remember to Brush the Back of Your Teeth
The rear teeth should receive different treatment because they are more vulnerable to cavities than the easier-to-reach molars. Brush the backs of your teeth that face your mouth and throat at the same angle. Since tartar tends to accumulate most frequently around the gum line, brush down there with special attention.
Finally, after every brushing, you should rinse your mouth. By doing this, you will remove all the debris that has become displaced around your mouth. The majority of dentists advise brushing your teeth twice a day. Depending on your circumstances and treatment plan, your orthodontist may advise more daily brushings.
Proper Brushing Techniques
Your regular toothbrush alone is not enough to clean your braces thoroughly. It’s crucial to be aware that there are toothbrushes designed specifically for cleaning braces. The Proxabrush® is the toothbrush most frequently used with braces.
This brush is intended to clean your braces’ wire gaps, which are difficult for normal toothbrushes to access. Your braces will be spotless after each brush if you use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Remember to Floss
If you believe that having braces means you don’t need to floss, you need to reconsider. Even though it may appear impossible because of the wires clogging the spaces between your teeth, flossing does not stop. You should still be able to floss around the affected teeth even if you have braces since food particles can still get caught in those spaces.
Use Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a fantastic technique to get rid of and stop the growth of bacteria in the spaces between and around your teeth. While brushing and flossing are sufficient to keep your braces clean, rinsing with mouthwash can remove any excess plaque and food particles in the spaces between your braces. After brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.
Are You Interested in Chester County Orthodontics?
At Swiatek Orthodontics, we offer sturdy and dependable braces for people of all ages. Our skilled and committed dentist will guide you in selecting the best braces for your needs and instruct you on properly maintaining them. Call us to learn more about our services!
