Tips For Keeping Your Braces Clean

Posted on August 7, 2022

Braces are often necessary to achieve a lovely smile. They are especially needed in young kids with crooked teeth or other orthodontic issues. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should schedule an evaluation as soon as any sign of orthodontic problems is present, but no later than age seven. That said, it’s crucial to ensure that your oral health is taken care of. Braces make plaque accumulation more likely because the brackets and wires trap food debris around the teeth, making them more difficult to clean. If you have braces to fix your teeth, below are tips you can take to keep your braces clean.

Brush After Every Meal

It’s critical that you clean your teeth after every meal. Food can quickly become entangled between braces and teeth. These food particles interact with the natural bacteria in your mouth, causing plaque accumulation and tooth damage. If you can’t brush your teeth, properly rinse your mouth with water. It’s important to clean the upper section of your teeth between the brackets and gums. To clean the enamel correctly, the toothbrush bristles should come into contact with the gums. Choose a brush with softer bristles to prevent irritation of the gums.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing is one of the most difficult aspects of dental care for braces. When flossing, using a threader makes it easier to guide it through the wire. To remove more plaque, perform a saw-like motion with the threader. Also, consider getting a water flosser as well. It flosses quickly and easily and cleans with a spray of water.

Avoid Certain Food

You should try to not eat certain foods when wearing braces. Acidic foods and drinks are less favorable to your teeth than those with lower acidic content. Bananas, for example, are healthier for your teeth than oranges, while water is better than fizzy beverages. Your orthodontist should provide you with a list of foods that are good for your teeth while wearing braces and those you should avoid.

Keep Your Retainer Clean

It is equally as important to keep your dental retainer clean. When you are not wearing your retainer, use a mouthwash rinse to keep it bacteria-free. Keeping the retainer clean will help you get value out of your investment. You should make an effort to clean your retainer every day.

The steps above can be used to prevent plaque buildup while wearing braces and ensure it stays clean. Do you need orthodontic care? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist.