It can take a while to get adjusted to having braces. A person is also required to adjust their dental hygiene routine to cater to the presence of braces. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene is necessary for the health of your teeth and gums. By trapping food particles and making it more challenging to brush your teeth, braces raise the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Regularly Brushing Teeth
You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. There should be particular care when brushing around your braces, paying specific attention to the brackets, wires, and bands. To effectively remove food particles from between brackets, use a variety of brushing angles and small circular strokes.
Flossing Teeth
Cleaning in between your teeth and along the gumline is essential, but it might be more difficult when you have braces. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss between your teeth and beneath the wires. Floss between each tooth and along the gum line to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Using Microbial Mouthwash
Use mouthwash to destroy bacteria and freshen your breath. Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. For further protection against tooth decay, look for a mouthwash that is specially made for orthodontic patients and contains fluoride.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regularly visit the dentist. When you have braces, regular dental exams are even more crucial. See your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning and checkup. Your dentist can identify problems before they become severe and suggest how to enhance your oral hygiene practice.
Avoid Impact to the Braces
When engaging in physical activity, use a mouthguard to prevent damage to your braces and teeth. This is especially important if you play sports or engage in other physical activities. You can ask your orthodontist for a mouthguard that works well with braces.