Oral Hygiene With Braces
No Plaque Left Behind
Having a clean mouth is important. Brushing and flossing removes the thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth and braces. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Always Floss Before Bedtime
Flossing with braces takes a few minutes to master, but the effort is well worth it. The first step is getting the floss under the wire that connects the braces together. A floss threader will help you get the floss underneath your archwires. Dental floss with a stiff end is also available. It is pre-cut and very easy to insert underneath the wires.
Once the floss is under the archwire it can be wrapped around the tooth on one side. The floss is then pushed toward the gum line and back to the wire. Be careful not to put much pressure on the wire as you pull down. Then wrap the floss around the neighboring tooth. Once the both teeth are done, the floss is pulled out and the process repeated for the next two teeth.
Brush After Every Meal
You will notice that it is harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and between your teeth. Brushing after meals will help prevent plaque from forming. Use a soft toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth in small circles above and below the brackets. You must also gently massage underneath the gumline. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it when the bristles start to fray.
If plaque remains on teeth for any length of time, it can leave a permanent white scar on the surface. An electric toothbrush can be a useful addition.
Cleanings With General Dentist
It is imperative that you continue to see your general dentist for cleanings every 6 months. The general dentist will be able to perform cleanings around the appliances and can help mitigate the risk of dental caries.