If you’ve recently started wearing braces, congratulations – a straighter, healthier smile is on the horizon! While traditional braces might not seem like something you’ll be interacting with often, as the metal brackets and wires can handle moving your teeth on their own, you’ll still play an instrumental role in the process; it’s up to you to keep your mouth clean during this period. Here are some helpful steps to follow as you begin brushing and flossing throughout your braces journey.
Brushing with Braces
At first, it can seem like a pretty complicated process to effectively clean your teeth while wearing braces; not only is there less visible surface area, but certain places might not seem very toothbrush-accessible. Here are some simple steps to help you become accustomed to the habit:
- Before brushing, rinse your mouth with water to help loosen any food or debris that might be lodged around your braces.
- Lubricate your brush with water and apply toothpaste; it’s recommended that you use a toothbrush designed for braces.
- Begin brushing at the gumline at a 45-degree angle. Then place the brush on top of the brackets, angling them down to brush on top of each bracket.
- Next, reposition the brush to slowly clean the bottom of the brackets and the wire, angling the toothbrush up. Be sure to brush every tooth and bracket in this manner.
- After you’ve brushed, rinse your mouth thoroughly and check that you’ve gotten everything!
It’s not uncommon for children with braces to require some assistance with this until they become used to the routine. Properly angling the brush isn’t easy at first, but once it’s mastered, the teeth can be effectively cleaned despite the somewhat obtrusive presence of the brackets and wires.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing is just as important as brushing, especially for patients with braces. It’s certainly more difficult to floss your teeth with braces, but these steps can simplify things for you:
- Floss once a day using waxed floss, as unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and become shredded in your braces. Remove a strand of about 18 inches of floss to start with.
- Carefully thread it under the main wire before passing between two teeth. Don’t snap it, but instead, simply move it up and down gently before removing it and moving on to the next pair of teeth, repeating the process until you’ve finished. A floss threader can also help with this process.
- If you’re still having trouble, a water irrigator might also be used to help flush out food particles in tight spaces. After flossing, be sure to rinse your mouth again with water to fully clear out any lingering debris.
It might take a little time to master brushing and flossing with braces, but by staying patient and mastering the habit, you’re ultimately ensuring that your orthodontic journey doesn’t just lead to straighter pearly whites—it also unveils newfound, dazzling beauty!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics Worcester, we’re thrilled to be able to provide an exceptional level of care for patients and families in the community! We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic services that are certain to help you or your loved one achieve a healthy, happy, and beautiful smile. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (508) 757-3173.