Nobody likes the idea of a mouthful of metal, but if your dentist has suggested braces for you, know that you’re not alone. About 4.5 million people in the U.S. wear braces, and roughly 25% of them are adults.
One thing’s for sure, whether you’re young or old, learning how to brush your teeth with braces is absolutely crucial. The braces provide a perfect place for bits of food to get stuck and wreak havoc in your mouth. You don’t want to spend all that money on braces for straight teeth only to come out with rotten ones!
Keep reading to learn the best methods for cleaning teeth with braces.
When to Brush Your Teeth
When wearing braces, it is extremely important to follow a strict cleaning regime. It’s easy for food to get stuck in your braces or between your teeth and cause plaque to build up.
At a minimum, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. If possible, brush your teeth after every meal. If brushing after a meal isn’t possible, try to at least rinse your mouth out with water to remove any large particles.
Typically, you should replace your toothbrush every three months. However, if you are brushing more often due to wearing braces, your brush may wear out faster. Keep an eye out for fraying bristles and replace it promptly.
How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces
The actual act of brushing with braces isn’t too different. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the brackets, wires, or your gums.
An electric toothbrush is also an excellent idea, one with rounded bristles is ideal. Some electric toothbrushes even have an extra sensitive mode that is perfect for cleaning around the brackets and wires and along the gum line.
As normal, you need to brush all sides of your teeth, including the front and back. You also need to carefully brush around all the brackets. Don’t forget your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and a gentle pass along the gum line.
How to Floss With Braces
Flossing, as you might expect, is a bit more challenging. You can use a floss threader to get the floss under the archwires more easily. Your dentist or orthodontist will be happy to show you how to use it. Always rinse your mouth thoroughly after flossing to remove any loose particles.
Another option is to use a water flosser. This device shoots a small stream of water between your teeth, eliminating the need to get the dental floss around the wires. A water flosser, when used correctly, is just as good as regular flossing for cleaning between your teeth.
Keep Calm and Smile On
There you have it! A simple guide on how to brush your teeth with braces.
Wearing braces can be a challenging time, but it will all be worth it the day you get them removed and see your brand new smile!
Looking for a great orthodontist in Yuba City, California? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Your brilliant smile is waiting for you!