People who wear Life with Braces bracket-braces often experience problems brushing their teeth. This is due to the fact that they have brushed their teeth one way for many years and wearing braces requires a completely different technique. Here are some things to keep in mind to make brushing your teeth while wearing braces an easier task to perform in the future.

Braces and plaque do not mix

It is important for good dental health to remove plaque from your teeth when you are not wearing braces. However, this becomes even more important for people who wear bracket-braces because plaque is able to easily hide behind all of the various wires and brackets. Plaque is a sticky substance that consists of bacteria, saliva, and food. When plaque sticks to your teeth and braces, the result can be permanent stains, bad breath, swollen gums, and cavities. Go to your dental center once a year to have your teeth cleaned. This will ensure your dental health remains good.

When should you clean your braces?

Whenever you have the time, you should brush your teeth following every meal. If you do not have a toothbrush nearby, use some water to rinse out your mouth. Rinse thoroughly with the water for at least one minute before you spit it out. When you are wearing braces, brushing a minimum of two times each day is critical. Flossing at least once a day should also become a habit. Start by flossing, then finish with brushing. The ideal time to give your teeth and braces a thorough cleaning is prior to going to bed.

People who wear braces should visit their dental center every six months to maintain their dental health. This should not be a problem since people who wear braces will need to go in to have their braces tightened. It is important that the people at your dental center inspect your braces and the wires and brackets that are attached to them to make sure they are working properly.

How do you brush your teeth while wearing braces?

The first thing you need to do is to buy a toothbrush with soft bristles. You do not want to risk having a firm bristle toothbrush destroy your bracket-braces. You will brush the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth exactly the same way you did before. However, when brushing the parts of your teeth with the braces on them, brush in a gentle circular motion. Be very mindful of how much pressure you are applying to the toothbrush. It is not necessary to push very hard. As long as the brush is making contact with your teeth and you are hitting all the areas, you should be fine. A circular motion with a light amount of pressure will do the trick.

If you or someone you know is in need of bracket-braces, contact King Orthodontics today. They are a dental center located in Pittsburgh, PA. They will attend to all of your dental health needs in a courteous and professional manner. Their track record of having many satisfied customers speaks volumes about the level of service that King Orthodontics provides.