Oral Care Tips for Those with Braces

Oral Care Tips for Those with Braces

30/12/2024

Braces are an important orthodontic treatment for adults and children alike, and can be a significant step in achieving a healthy, radiant smile.

However, maintaining good oral hygiene during this period is crucial as braces can trap food particles and make cleaning more challenging. Good dental care is vital for your oral health and your overall health too!

Here are some effective tips to help you keep your mouth clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Brush Properly

With braces, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal and snack to prevent food particles from getting trapped in the brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic brush designed to get around braces.

Brush gently at a 45-degree angle to ensure that you clean both above and below the brackets.

Floss Daily

Flossing with braces might seem tricky, but it’s essential for removing debris between the teeth and gums where a toothbrush can’t reach. Use waxed floss with a floss threader or a special orthodontic flosser to make the process easier.

Floss at least once daily to maintain gum health.

Use an Interdental Brush

An interdental brush can be a handy tool for dislodging food particles and plaque around braces. These tiny brushes are perfect for cleaning the spaces under the wires and around the brackets where a regular toothbrush may not reach.

Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash

Incorporate rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash into your daily routine. This helps reduce to the risk of cavities and decalcification by strengthening the tooth enamel and helping to remove particles and plaque.

This is particularly beneficial for those also dealing with sensitive teeth, helping to reduce the transmission of sensations.

Watch Your Diet

Avoid sticky and hard foods that can damage braces. Foods like caramel, nuts, and popcorn can break wires and loosen brackets. Additionally, minimise sugary and starchy foods that can lead to plaque build-up and tooth decay.

It’s also best to avoid fizzy drinks, as their high sugar content and acidity can erode enamel, weaken the adhesive holding your braces, and increase the risk of cavities. Opting for foods that are good for your teeth will help maintain both your braces and oral health.

Attend Regular Check-Ups

Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial for adjusting your braces, monitoring progress, and ensuring your treatment stays on track. These appointments allow your orthodontist to address any issues early, making sure your braces function effectively.

Equally important are routine dental check-ups and cleanings, which help maintain healthy teeth and gums, prevent cavities, and ensure a clean environment for your braces throughout the treatment process.

Protect Your Braces

If you engage in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth from injury. There are special orthodontic mouthguards available that fit comfortably over braces and provide the necessary protection.

Be Patient and Persistent

Maintaining oral hygiene with braces requires patience and persistence. Initially, it may take a bit longer to clean your teeth thoroughly, as navigating around brackets and wires can be tricky.

However, with consistent effort and the use of tools like interdental brushes or water flossers, the process becomes quicker and easier over time, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Good oral hygiene with braces is a little more challenging but absolutely essential. Following these tips will help ensure that when your braces come off, you’ll reveal not just straighter teeth, but a vibrant, healthy smile.