Why Proper Braces Care Is Important

Regardless of the braces’ type, they are designed to work with pinpoint precision. When you put something in your mouth, food particles may adhere to the tooth surface and get into the intricate mechanism, hindering the further teeth-straightening process. Meticulous braces hygiene is a great investment in your smile makeover. 

By underestimating the importance of oral hygiene, you risk facing tooth staining, cavities, decay, and gum disease after the treatment is over. It will require more expenditures on tooth fillings and other financially tangible dental procedures. Thus, taking diligent care of your teeth while the braces are on is crucial.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine With Braces

Though orthodontists commonly provide all-encompassing guidelines on how to take care of braces after their installation, it always comes in handy to have written instructions at hand. This way, you can check on the essential data whenever you need it. Let’s see what caring for your braces implies.

Brushing Tips

Daily dental care for braces involves scrupulous brushing. First, stock on a soft-bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, an interdental brush, and mouthwash. A water irrigator is another efficient tool that can help you clean both brackets and tight interdental spaces. Then, follow our comprehensive braces care instructions:

1. Rinse your mouth with water for around 30 seconds to loosen food particles.
2. Tilt your toothbrush at a 45° angle to reach under the archwire and around the brackets.
3. Brush your teeth with minute circular motions, focusing on the brackets’ edges. Clean the chewing tooth surfaces with gentle back-and-forth motions.
4. Apply an interdental brush to remove any trapped food particles.
5. Cautiously massage the gumline with a toothbrush to sustain healthy gum tissue. If you have an oral irrigator, apply a water stream for a light gum massage.
6. Brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath.
7. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash. 

While routine brushing is performed twice a day, with orthodontic construction, you need to do it after every meal. It might first seem tiresome and unusual, but with time, you may develop a beneficial habit for your entire life.

Flossing With Braces

You can’t reach the nooks between your teeth with an ordinary toothbrush, but flossing with a threader can get into any stubborn areas with hidden food particles. An oral irrigator can also ensure thorough interdental cleaning if you use it right.

Using Mouthwash

Alcohol-free mouthwash enriched with fluoride will freshen your breath and reduce the risk of cavities at their onset. It inhibits tooth demineralization and bacterial activity in the oral cavity, promoting good dental health.

How to Clean Around Brackets and Wires

Braces are potent yet fragile teeth-straightening appliances. Thus, you need to be careful so as not to damage them:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean each bracket and around the wires in gentle circular motions. Angle it to clear the wires above and below.
• Use thread floss under the wire to remove plaque.
• Insert the interdental brush between each bracket and wire to get rid of plaque and food particles.
• Use an oral irrigator for all-encompassing cleaning. Scalloped motions along the gumline will help you reach each bracket and tooth from the inside and the outside.

These simple tips can help you prevent plaque buildup around the brackets and wires.

Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces 

Caring for braces demands another temporary sacrifice: giving up some hazardous foods that may damage the construction. These include:

• Crunchy foods (popcorn, chips, pizza crust, etc.);
• Hard products (like dense bread, caramel, and ice cubes);
• Sticky foods (chewing gum, toffee, and more);
• Whole seeds or nuts;
• Meat from a bone;
• Raw vegetables (carrots, celery, and cauliflower);
• Acidic or severely pigmented foods.

Be careful with unripe fruits and avoid biting straight into something. It’s best to use a knife to cut the food into manageable slices prior to eating it.

Visiting Your Orthodontist: How Often and Why It Matters

Before the initial placement of braces, your doctor develops a treatment plan and announces how to maintain braces and the frequency of subsequent visits to tighten them. It’s crucial not to miss the appointments so that the process goes smoothly and teeth gradually move as planned. 

The regularity depends on your unique case, but on average, you need to see your orthodontist once every 1–2 months for essential adjustments and check-ups. Besides, you can always consult them in case of an emergency, such as a dislodged bracket, for a quick fix. Don’t forget to visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning – even with thorough home care, it’s recommended every 3–4 months. 

Final Tips for Braces Care and Faster Results

Let’s briefly sum up how to maintain your teeth and braces in top condition so that you can quickly develop a corresponding care routine:

• Brush your teeth every time you eat something and diligently clean the areas around brackets and wires to eliminate food debris.
• Floss your teeth with a floss threader on a regular basis.
• Forget about hard, sticky, and chewy foods till the orthodontic treatment is over.
• If you are engaged in contact sports, always wear a mouthguard.
• Don’t skip scheduled visits with your doctor. 

These efforts on your side will contribute to a smooth treatment process. In case you have any questions or concerns regarding teeth alignment, you may contact our qualified dental team in Forest Hills, NY. If your case is not very severe, you can be an eligible candidate for Invisalign treatment. Transparent tooth trays can spare you the hassle of cleaning around braces and wires, as you can remove them while eating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Hygiene With Braces

Additional Resources

If you hesitate between investing in a water flosser or dental floss to clean your teeth with braces, you may benefit from this systematic review comparing their effectiveness.