Dentist Tips To Care For Your Teeth With Braces

Learn how to care for teeth with braces. Braces can help create the perfect straight smile you’ve always dreamed of, but not without a bit of maintenance. Though an orthodontist will help you care for your braces, it’s important to go for regular dental checkups with your dentist. Make sure you keep your teeth healthy (and dentist happy) while you wear braces by following the tips below.

Brush, Brush, Brush!

This includes brushing after drinking juice or soda, too. Braces, wires, and other objects in your mouth can attract plaque and food, which can discolor your teeth if not cleaned quickly. Soda is especially important to avoid because of the acid, which builds up in your mouth after drinking. If you don’t want discolored squares on your teeth after the braces are removed, brush after every snack and meal.

Soft Toothbrush

A soft toothbrush will get the job done as well as any other and won’t damage the braces’ structure. Brush from an upward direction, above the braces, and aim the brush downward. Gently brush back and forth. Follow by brushing from below the braces with the brush aimed upward. Continue to brush behind your teeth and the rest of your mouth as you normally would.

Proxabrush

This small, tapered brush will be your best friend as it is specifically designed to clean between braces. Push this brush upward from the bottom and downward from the top of your braces to remove food and clean teeth.

Floss

Flossing with braces can be tricky and time consuming, but with a little practice this process becomes easier. Thread your floss between the space of the brace and the wire and very gently floss between your tooth, careful to not bend your wires by using too much pressure. Do this for each tooth in your mouth.

Mouthwash

Using mouthwash can help clean those tough to reach places of your mouth. Use a regular mouthwash, or one suggested by your dentist two times a day for fresh breath and a clean mouth.

Your orthodontist can recommend tips on what foods to avoid and how to care for the braces more in depth. Keep these tips in mind to maintain healthy teeth and gums while you wear braces.