When you have braces, oral hygiene is more important than ever. Brackets and rubber bands make perfect hiding spaces for food debris and plaque, which can lead to cavities and teeth staining if not removed properly.
As an orthodontic dental hygienist, I see exclusively orthodontic patients. When my patients come in for a hygiene appointment, I remove their rubber bands and wires then clean their teeth to remove any plaque buildup, concentrating on areas around the brackets where buildup is often more prevalent. I also provide braces care tips and educate my patients on the best ways to keep their teeth clean and lessen the risk of cavities and staining during treatment. If you have braces, read on to learn proper braces aftercare and how to keep your teeth clean too!
How Often Should You Brush with Braces?
How often you should brush when you have braces depends on how often you eat during the day. I recommend brushing after every time you eat, but at least three times a day. If you can’t brush after a meal, then rinse your mouth with water to wash away larger food particles until you’re able to brush.
Having brackets and wires on your teeth makes it a little more difficult to brush and it also takes longer. I typically tell my patients to bump up their brushing to three minutes instead of the usual two since it takes more time and effort to get around all the brackets. It’s important not to press too hard when you brush to protect the braces but also avoid damaging your gums.
What Should You Use to Brush and Floss with Braces?
Here are a few recommendations for tools to use to brush and floss braces. Just remember to find a toothbrush and floss that works best for you and that you’ll be able to use every day.
Credit – Dental Associates
