Although it is important to remember it is temporary, getting braces means having to make a few changes to the way you have always done things. One of those things is brushing your teeth. All of sudden you have a mouth full of brackets and wires and the simple task of brushing seems, well, daunting. What if you break them? How can you possibly get in all the crevices?
Brushing your teeth is always important in order to maintain a high level of oral health. And, it is even more important when you have braces. So, here’s how to brush your teeth during treatment.
Rinse Your Mouth
There are two reasons you want to rinse your mouth. First, after you eat - whether a meal or a snack - you always want to rinse your mouth with water. Second, before you begin you brush your teeth.
With braces you have so many crevices and places for food particles and such to hide. As they build up, they can cause some major problems for your teeth. By rinsing your mouth after you eat and before you brush you are removing anything that could be tucked away.
Following up with mouthwash after you brush is always a highly-recommended step, too.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
You absolutely must brush your teeth at least twice per day. Though, brushing after every meal is ideal. Using a soft toothbrush, begin to gently brush your teeth at the gumline while holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. This will allow you to remove any debris left from food as well as any bacteria. Be sure to get both the front and the back of the teeth.
Brushing the Brackets
Don’t be afraid to brush your brackets. Even though it seems like it may be complicated, it is actually much easier than you might imagine. Take your time, moving slowly throughout your mouth. Brush each bracket one at a time. The key is to remove as much debris as you can as carefully as possible - and without pulling on the brackets or wires. Rushing, not showing care, or brushing too harshly can end up causing damage to your braces.
Use Floss or a Waterpik Daily
Flossing is just as important - if not more important - when you have braces. Though it is no secret - flossing can be a little tricky with braces. You have to be very careful as you floss. Your orthodontist will show you techniques to use so that you know just how to floss without causing damage to the wires.
Waterpiks are very beneficial with this task since they only involve water and no floss. It makes it easier to get between teeth and all around teeth without risking any damage. And, of course, once you get used to using your water flosser, it makes the process a little faster, too.
Taking Care of Braces at Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, braces are one of our specialties. Because we want our patients to thrive during their braces treatment, we make sure each one of our patients knows how to properly care for their braces.
Want to learn more? Contact us at one of our convenient locations.
Minnetonka Office at 952-938-1443