When it comes to having braces its crucial to know how to properly clean and maintain your braces for the healthiest gums possible throughout the process. In some cases having cleaner gums and braces can actually speed up the process of the entire treatment plan; of course this is always up to the discretion of your orthodontist. The healthier the gums are the faster your teeth are able to move and reposition into a new straighter bite. Having poor oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment can result in decalcification, cavities, swollen tender gums, and permanent staining of your teeth.
Brushing Techniques
There are a few different ways you can go about brushing your teeth with braces and keeping up great oral hygiene. One of the best brushing techniques used to brush your teeth with braces is to brush around the wire above, under and as much surface area as possible. It’s best to always brush after any meal or after any sugary drinks to ensure that you are washing away any debris. If you aren’t able to brush immediately after eating, using an oral rinse is a great way to get any extra leftover food out of your mouth before you are able to properly brush your teeth.
Consider Investing in a Water Pik
Water Piks, also known as water flossers are an excellent way to remove any extra food and plaque out of your braces and teeth. A water flosser is a much more effective and efficient way of taking out the most possible amount of leftover food in your mouth without irritating your gums and allowing your braces to be free from any unnecessary poking and prodding.
Oral Rinses
After properly rinsing and brushing your teeth it’s highly recommended to use a oral rinse to maximize your oral health. Using oral rinses designed specifically for braces can help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and enamel, prevents white spots, and it soothes oral tissues and provides additional cleaning to remove debris left behind after brushing and flossing.
If you or your child is struggling trying to find the best brushing techniques that works for them, give any one of our offices a call where a specialist will be able to answer all of your questions and give your great pointers on how to maximize your oral health during your orthodontic treatment.