10 Effective Tips for Cleaning Teeth with Braces
Wearing braces is now a new normal to straighten the teeth and avoid orthodontic problems in later life. With braces on, learning how to clean your teeth correctly is important. In this blog, we will share all the gathered information to help you clean your teeth daily with braces.
Get more information about cleaning teeth from professionals on Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Book an appointment today and easily discuss your oral hygiene with a professional.
Read: Cleaning A Mouthguard: Tips, Tricks, And Deep Cleaning
Best Tips to Clean Teeth with Braces
Braces are considered an effective treatment to keep the teeth in shape. Beginners struggle with the cleaning and tightening of braces. If you are also a beginner, you might be confused about whether cleaning your teeth with braces is harder. The answer is NO!
Cleaning your teeth with braces requires extra effort to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent complications. Teeth cleaning with braces costs too much if done by a dentist, so cleaning them at home is good to avoid expenses.
Read: Clear Braces Vs Metal Braces: Which Is Right For You?
Read: Little Smiles: Using Finger Brushes For Baby Dental Health
Here, we share a few useful tips to clean your teeth with braces daily.
1: Gather braces cleaning tools
It may seem not easy initially to clean teeth with braces, but with certain best cleaning tools and supplies for braces, it has become easier than ever. So, purchasing the supplies on the first day you get braces fit is advised.
The major supplies to keep braces embraced teeth clean include:
- An orthodontic toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Interdental brush or proxy brush
- Dental floss or floss threader
- Water flosser
- Mouthwash
2: Practice Brushing
Brushing is a general practice that can’t be neglected even without braces. Brushing twice a day is highly recommended from an early age. For people with braces, it is recommended to use a specific toothbrush designed for braces with soft bristles.
Brushing the brackets, wires, and around the gumline thoroughly is the best way to clean the teeth with braces. In addition, electric toothbrushes available in the market are quite effective for teeth with braces.
Angle the toothbrush to clean both the top and bottom of the brackets, as well as between the brackets and your gums. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, tongue, and mouth’s roof.
3: Interdental Brush or Proxy Brush
Using an interdental or proxy brush is helpful for individuals with braces as it cleans between the brackets and wires where a regular toothbrush can’t reach easily.
Insert the brush between the wires and teeth gently and move the brush in a back-and-forth motion.
4: Using the Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing is the main technique used to clean teeth with or without braces. With braces, it is important to follow a special brushing technique.
Especially with braces, it is hard to remove all the food residues and bacteria. So, use a proper brushing technique that involves the following steps:
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
- Slightly move the brush in small motions over each tooth and the gum line.
- Repeat circular motions for both the jaws’ front and back sides.
- Brush the teeth by moving the brush slightly inside.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue gently.
5: Flossing
Thread dental floss under the main wire before flossing between your teeth. Alternatively, use a floss threader. Check a YouTube tutorial to floss teeth with braces effectively.
Slide the floss between your teeth gently, cleaning both sides of the tooth. Be careful not to snap the floss, which can damage your braces. Move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth to remove stubborn plaque and food particles.
Use a water flosser that can help dislodge food particles and clean between your teeth and braces. Point the water stream between the brackets and wires, focusing on each tooth individually.
6: Rinse with Mouthwash
A Quality mouthwash is highly recommended to clean the teeth after every meal. On your orthodontist’s recommendation, get your hands on a non-alcoholic, fluoride mouthwash. A fresh mouthwash not only refreshes your breath but also kills the bacteria.
If you use retainers instead of braces, you must know how to clean the braces retainer. For that purpose, you can use toothpaste.
To keep the braces clean, among the useful braces cleaning hacks is to rinse the mouth with water or mouthwash after every meal. It washes away the food restudies and avoids smelling.
7: Regular Dental Checkups
When braces are installed, visit your dentist regularly and get insights about keeping your braces and teeth clean. They can provide additional guidance and ensure your oral health is on track.
8: Avoid Certain Foods
Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods that damage your braces and make cleaning tough. Neglecting proper care can lead to issues that may prolong your treatment time or damage your teeth. If you have any specific instructions from your orthodontist, follow them closely.
9: Avoid the use of a toothpick
Many individuals use toothpicks to get rid of food particles after every meal. It is recommended to avoid its use with braces as it can cause sores in the mouth. Use floss or water flosser as an alternative for the same purpose.
10: Visit your dentist regularly
Our oral hygiene determines the overall health of our body. When you have braces, visit your dentist regularly to check if the braces are fit and clean enough. Make sure that your braces are helping in achieving your oral health goals.
Read: Flossing With Braces: Health Benefits, Methods & Expert Tips
FAQs
How do you clean your teeth with braces properly?
You can use a special toothbrush, water flosser, and mouthwash to clean your teeth with braces.
Why do teeth get yellow with braces?
In some cases, it is possible because bacteria accumulate and form plaque, which is impossible to clean without scaling.
What foods can’t you have with braces?
You must avoid chewy and sticky foods, including rice, chips, nuts, jellies, and caramel candies when using braces.
