There is no doubt that when you get braces, there will be changes to your daily life, including your dental hygiene habits. When you have braces, it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal and snack.
Brushing before bed is also recommended because it will help prevent plaque from forming on your teeth overnight. Plaque is a film that contains bacteria and will begin to form on your teeth after eating and after drinking sugary beverages. When plaque is not removed correctly and regularly, it can cause tooth decay and eventually lead to gum disease. If you have kids that have braces, you may think that it will be difficult to keep brushing on track, so consider making it a fun time for them. Use their favorite sone or a kitchen timer for at least two minutes to ensure they are brushing long enough. You can also remind your teenagers about how healthy and beautiful their smiles will be to help motivate them to stay on track.
Braces are perfect for getting bits of food stuck in them, so it is important to have and to follow a daily cleaning process.
Teaching your children proper brushing techniques provides many benefits not only with braces but for a lifetime of great oral health. When brushing with braces, it is best, to begin with rinsing your mouth with water to help loosen and wash away any remaining food that may be stuck. The brush should be held at a 45-degree angle as you gently brush in small circles along the gumline. The brackets will also need to be brushed from both the top and bottom angles.
It is recommended that you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride due to its ability to keep the tooth enamel healthy and strong as well as its ability to help stop tooth decay. You may also consider adding a fluoride rinse to help add an extra layer of strength and protection. A great thing about fluoride, especially for children, is that it is available in a variety of flavors to suit their preferences. Another consideration to make is to find a toothpaste that also offers tartar control to prevent buildup on the teeth
Be sure to avoid whitening products until after the braces are removed so that the entire tooth can be evenly whitened.
Flossing is just as important as brushing or using fluoride when it comes to caring for your teeth, especially with braces. When it comes to flossing with braces, however, you need to floss underneath the braces to ensure you are thoroughly cleaning the surface of the tooth. There are a few floss options that are great for use with braces, including self-threading floss with a floss threader. A floss threader is a flexible piece of plastic that will make it easier to pass the floss under the wires of your braces.
Each tooth should be carefully flossed, with special care taken along the gumline. Your child will need special assistance with this process, and you may even consider incorporating a water flosser into their routine to make it easier for them. With a water flosser, you will have tapered brushes that can effectively remove bacteria, plaque, and food.
If you have any questions about caring for your braces or need to schedule an appointment, contact the team at King Orthodontics today!
