Proper Brushing and Flossing With Braces

Posted on May 13, 2024

Many young people have received braces for straight teeth. Orthodontic care is the best way to correct crooked teeth, bite issues, and other problems. According to How Stuff Works, roughly 45% of children need braces. The results you’ll get with braces are greatly based on the dental hygiene you practice during care, though. Here are some tips on how to brush and floss properly while wearing braces.

Brushing Tools

To do a good job, you’ll need the right brushing tools. A soft-bristled, bi-level toothbrush is needed as well as an interdental Christmas tree toothbrush. You’ll also need quality dental floss. Keeping your dental care tools with you at all times makes it easy to keep your teeth clean and healthy. While you’re wearing braces for straight teeth, you should pack a dental care bag and take it everywhere with you.

Effective Brushing

When you have braces you’ll need to be brushing your teeth four to five times a day. This is more than normal, so make an effort to set this habit. You also need to brush for three minutes each time. This is also longer than average. First, you should start with the chewing surfaces of your teeth. You should brush on all the braces, in between braces and gums, and on the inside surfaces of teeth.

Make sure to brush in a circular motion. Start on one side and work your way around to the other side. Next, be sure to place the toothbrush on the biting edge of the teeth so that bristles touch the gum tissues. You could also use the Christmas tree toothbrush for this step instead. This allows you to go in between the wire and your teeth.

Proper Flossing

Flossing is always important, but it’s even more important when you have braces. In order to floss properly, you need to slip the floss behind the archwire and get in between the teeth. You should use a C-shape motion under the gumline. It’s recommended to floss once a day. You should rinse and then look at your teeth thoroughly. Make sure you didn’t miss any spots. If you need to go back and floss more to get food out of your braces, keep doing this step until the braces are clean.

Adequate Rinsing

The way you rinse and the rinse products you use also matters. It’s recommended that you rinse once a day with a fluoride supplement. This will strengthen teeth and ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy during treatment.

Braces for straight teeth are important and so is your cleaning routine. If you’re looking for reliable orthodontic care, please call Jacaranda Smiles today. We look forward to seeing you!