Braces are a common form of orthodontic treatment, and they can be a great way to improve your smile. However, braces can also be a bit of a challenge to keep clean. Whether you’re a teen or an adult with braces, there are certain things you should do to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your braces in good condition.
Why is it Important to Keep Your Braces Clean?
If you don’t take proper care of your braces, you could develop cavities, gum disease, or other problems. Braces consist of wires, brackets, and bands that trap food particles and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene when wearing braces to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Let’s take a look at what you can do.
Tips to Keep Your Braces Clean
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
Brushing your teeth regularly is important whether you have braces or not, but it’s even more crucial when you have braces. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
When you have braces, you should also brush between the brackets and wires to remove any food particles or plaque. Use an interdental brush or a floss threader to get between the wires and the teeth. You can also use a water flosser to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas.
- Flossing daily.
Flossing is just as important as brushing when you have braces. Flossing will help to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. You can use a floss threader or a water flosser to floss around your braces.
To use a floss threader, thread the floss through the threader and insert it between your teeth and braces. Move the floss up and down to remove food particles and plaque.
A water flosser is a device that uses a stream of water to clean your teeth and braces. It can remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Use a water flosser in conjunction with brushing and flossing to clean your teeth and braces thoroughly.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid certain food.
Eating a healthy diet will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Certain foods can damage your braces and make them harder to clean. Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as popcorn, gum, and candy. These foods can break your braces and get stuck in your teeth and braces.
- Drink plenty of water.
Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your mouth hydrated and help flush away plaque and food particles.
- Get regular dental checkups.
Even if you take good care of your braces, it’s important to get regular dental checkups. You should visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination.Your dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
- Finally, see your orthodontist regularly.
Your orthodontist will be able to clean your braces and check for any problems as well as make any adjustments to continue your orthodontic care. They will also continue to give instructions on how to care for your braces at home.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your braces clean and your teeth healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces, be sure to ask the experts at Bay Area Orthodontics. We’re here to provide you with the best orthodontic care. Whatever your concerns may be, we want to give you the best tools to improve your smile!