Braces are there to help, but getting used to them can take a bit of time. For example, brushing you teeth can be more challenging. Having the braces and wires in the way can make brushing and flossing more complex jobs than they previously were. It can be hard at first, but you eventually get used to the changes. Here are a few things you can do to make brushing with braces much easier.
- Get The Right Toothbrush
When it comes to brushing, you will need a new toothbrush to reach around the brackets in place. Manual brushes have distinctive v-shaped bristles to let them reach the surfaces of your teeth on either side of the brackets.
You might also consider investing in an electric toothbrush. There are electric toothbrushes that are designed to clean around the brackets and apply the right amount of pressure. These models usually come with spinning brush heads that can clean more efficiently, letting you clean your teeth more thoroughly. Remember, you will also need a proxabrush (the “Christmas tree” brush) to clean between your brackets and braces.
- Learn The Right Motions
Surprisingly, there is a right way of brushing your teeth. Cleaning your teeth with brackets in place also requires some adjustments to your technique.
As with normal toothbrushes, brush in small, circular motions to catch more of the surface of your teeth and catch more plaque. However, thanks to your braces, you need to brush around them to reach your teeth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to reach above and below the brackets and clean your teeth thoroughly. Holding the brush parallel to the teeth can miss some spots. Instead, keep the brush head tilted to maximize contact between the bristles and teeth.
- Floss Everywhere
Flossing might sound like a hard task when you have to floss through braces, but it is doable. Stick to floss products specifically designed to work with braces. A floss threader can help you get the floss behind the wire to fit between your teeth. Gently move the floss up and down on each side to catch all of the leftover food.
Another thing you can try is a water flosser. A water flosser uses a jet of water to remove food stuck where a toothbrush cannot reach, like string floss. With a water flosser, you will not have to worry about threading floss through the brackets for it to work. Water flossers have other benefits that can make them a smart investment even after the braces come off.
- Remember To Rinse
Rinsing can be a great way to dislodge any loose food particles before brushing. Use this trick to help make brushing easier before you start. Swish water around in your mouth just before brushing and flossing. For extra cleaning power, use fluoride mouthwash instead. Mouthwash can reach those hard-to-reach places you cannot touch with your toothbrush or floss.
Some oral rinses also contain remineralization agents that can counter the effects of bacteria. Try using them to help rebuild the enamel of your teeth and give them greater protection from tooth decay. Check with your orthodontist about which oral rinse would be the best match for your treatment plan.
- Take Your Time
One standard bit of toothbrushing wisdom that your family dentist may tell you is to brush for around two minutes each session. It takes roughly that long to get all the surfaces that need cleaning (e.g. the front, top, back, and sides of your teeth).
If you are using an electric toothbrush, it may have a built-in timer to make it easier to be precise. Alternatively, use a clock or timer to make sure you stick to that two-minute minimum. When you are still adjusting to brushing with braces, take your time to get used to how brushing feels. You can adjust to two minutes after you have had some practice and gotten a feel for how brushing works now.
- Eat Smart
One way to get a head start on cleaning is to watch what you eat in the first place. Having braces does set limits on what foods you can eat (for example, nuts and gum are typical no-nos). Refrain from crunchy and sticky foods (e.g. popcorn, hard candy, and caramel). These foods can get stuck in your brackets, making brushing and flossing more complicated.
Many of these foods are also high in sugar, which can encourage plaque formation and bacterial growth on your teeth. It is usually best to limit your intake of these foods until the braces come off and eating gets easier again.
- Clean Your Braces
In most cases, patients use traditional braces (which stay on for the whole time you need them). However, if you are using Invisalign aligners, it is essential to clean them every day. The aligners are in contact with your teeth all day, where they can pick up much of the bacteria in your mouth. Clean them regularly to ensure they stay germ-free.
Invisalign aligners also tend to be susceptible to staining, just like teeth. In case of stains, use a specialist cleaning solution to remove them before they become noticeable. Ask your dentist for cleaning aids to keep your aligners pristine.
- Bring Other Tools
Other than your toothbrush and floss, there are some other things you can use to keep your mouth clean. Having more tools at your fingertips ensures that you have all the resources you need to clean every inch of your mouth. Use an interdental toothbrush or a gum massager to clean between the teeth more thoroughly. These tools can also loosen food particles more easily, making the main brushing much easier.
Another tool you can use is a small mirror. You can maneuver the mirror to help see the hard-to-reach areas (like behind the front teeth). This can help you make sure that you have gotten all the plaque and that your teeth are squeaky clean.
- Use The Right Toothpaste
What type of toothpaste you use makes a difference while your braces are on. Some of the more ideal options include fluoride, anti-sensitivity, and nonabrasive toothpastes to protect your enamel when you brush.
Stay away from whitening toothpaste, at least until the braces come off. Whitening toothpaste will only reach the surfaces that are not covered by the brackets, resulting in uneven whitening. Stick to these other types to take better care of your teeth. When you do brush, use a small amount (something around the size of a pea) for more efficient use of your toothpaste.
When you need quality dental care in the Brampton area, visit Springdale Dental Centre. We offer family dentistry to serve every member of your family. At Springdale Dental Centre, we provide all our patients with individualized care to meet your needs. Give us a call at (905) 458-1212 or visit our contact page to make an appointment to our dentist in Brampton.
