Let’s face it: many people go through their oral hygiene routines without giving it much thought. However, starting orthodontic treatment with metal brackets and wires requires a revised approach to keep your teeth clean. Not doing so could lead to oral health issues that delay your treatment. If you’re feeling frustrated with your dental care routine now, don’t worry! Keep reading for tips on brushing and flossing effectively with braces.
4 Steps to Flossing with Braces
Do you usually brush your teeth before flossing? Recent research indicates that switching the order might help reduce plaque buildup. Let’s start with a comprehensive guide to flossing with braces:
- Step #1: Remove orthodontic accessories, such as rubber bands (elastics)
- Step #2: Rinse with fresh, clean water to get rid of debris and food particles
- Step #3: Guide the dental floss under the main wire of your braces before flossing carefully
- Step #4: Floss between each and every tooth, inlcuding the hard-to-reach molars
4 Steps to Brushing with Braces
Once you’ve removed plaque, food particles, and debris from your teeth, your brushing will be more effective. To get your pearly whites as clean as possible, you should:
- Use fluoride toothpaste – Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent dental damage.
- Place your toothbrush at an angle – This will enable you to clean both the top and bottom of every bracket and along the gumline.
- Brush for at least a full two minutes – This part is key to making sure that you get your teeth cleaned as well as possible.
- Rinse your mouth – After you rinse your mouth out, check your teeth to see if you missed any spots. Brush again if needed.
A Few Other Tips for a Healthy, Happy Smile
Brushing and flossing are crucial for oral hygiene, but maintaining a healthy smile involves more. Enhance your at-home care by gently cleaning your tongue and using mouthwash. Support your dental health by eating a balanced diet with lean proteins and fresh fruits.
Avoid habits that harm your teeth, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, chewing ice, and eating hard or damaging foods. Finally, remember to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months to keep your oral health in top condition.
To keep your teeth cavity-free, especially while wearing braces, it’s crucial to stick to a regular brushing and flossing routine. With the tips provided, you can make your oral hygiene routine more effective and easier to manage!
About the Practice
If you’re looking for a skilled pediatric dentist for your child, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Michael Rullo, Dr. Shameel Khan, and their team at Coral Kids Dentistry & Braces specialize in all aspects of children’s oral health. We provide orthodontic treatments, including braces, to help achieve your child’s smile goals. We also offer guidance and tips to make the orthodontic process as smooth as possible. For more information on enhancing your child’s oral care with braces or to schedule an appointment, call Coral Kids Dentistry & Braces at (905) 684-5437 or visit their website.