If you are wondering about how to brush and floss with braces, this blog post is the right place for you!
Maintaining good oral hygiene is very important especially if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. While wearing braces, it is easier for plaque to reach to accumulate on and between your teeth. If not taken care of properly, it can lead to the development of calculus and various other periodontal diseases. Brushing and flossing regularly with braces ensures good oral health. It also keeps dangerous oral diseases at bay.
With braces, it might take you a bit longer to clean your teeth but don’t worry at all. It’s DEFINITELY worth the wait! Once the braces will be removed, your teeth will not only be aligned and straightened but will also be healthy and in good shape.
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be a bit challenging for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. We have curated these general guidelines to make brushing and flossing easy for you with braces. Have a look.
General guidelines
- When brushing around your braces, make sure to brush around your gums as well. This helps in the removal of interdental plaque and helps to keep your teeth healthy.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around your braces. Make sure to brush 2x a day for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate good-quality fluoridated toothpaste into your oral regimen.
- You can also use an electric toothbrush for effective cleaning. The oscillator mode helps to clean more deeply and effectively. With the brackets and wires associated with braces, it is easier to use an electrical toothbrush for cleaning.
- Move from top to bottom and gently clean around wires and pins. Make sure to clean every quadrant.
- Use an interdental toothbrush to go between wires and clean your teeth. This helps to prevent gum diseases by cleaning debris and food particles.
How to brush with braces?
- Rinse brush head with water and apply a pea amount of your medicated toothpaste.
- Gently clean your teeth by brushing in all the four quadrants of your oral cavity.
- Brush in a gentle circulatory motion by holding the brush at a 45-degree angle.
- Make sure to pay special attention to cleaning the tooth surface. This also includes the portion of the tooth under the archwire!
- Use an interdental toothbrush.
- Don’t forget to floss! You can use a waxed floss threader to floss under the archwire of your braces. Gently move it in an up and down motion. Be sure not to snap the floss!
- Cleanse your tongue to avoid bad breath (halitosis)
- Rinse your mouth and smile confidently!
How often do you need to brush and floss with braces?
As per dental guidelines, it is recommended that you brush and floss twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene with braces. You can also brush after eating meals that are rich in carbohydrates or the ones that seem to be stuck in between your teeth. This helps in preventing the formation of plaque or yellowish discoloration of teeth.
For further information and queries, please head over to our website. Remove your teeth are your biggest asset. Make sure to take care of them.
