How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces
If you have braces, it’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. However, brushing your teeth with braces can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To help you get the best oral hygiene with your braces, we’ve put together an ultimate guide on how to brush your teeth with braces.
Step by Step Guide: How to Brush Teeth with Braces
Brushing your teeth with braces requires extra effort, time, and technique, but with these simple steps, you can ensure your teeth are clean and healthy even with braces.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth: Before you start brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to remove any food particles, debris, and plaque. Rinsing will also help to loosen the braces’ adhesive and make brushing easier.
Step 2: Use Interdental Brushes: Use interdental brushes to clean between teeth and braces. Interdental brushes are small and can easily navigate the brackets, wires, and the spaces between teeth. Gently insert the brush between the wire, and then move it back and forth. Repeat the process until you clean all the teeth.
Step 3: Brush the Braces: Apply toothpaste to your toothbrush and start cleaning your braces. Place your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees to reach the gum line. Use gentle circular motions to clean the braces, wires, and brackets. Ensure you brush in and around each bracket and wire to remove any food debris and plaque.
Step 4: Brush Your Teeth: After brushing the braces, concentrate on brushing the teeth. Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use circular motions to clean each tooth. Pay particular attention to the gum line, where food particles and plaque accumulate. Brush the front, sides, and back of your teeth, then use vertical strokes to clean the backs of your front teeth.
Step 5: Rinse Your Mouth: After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any residual toothpaste, food debris, or plaque.
Step 6: Floss Your Teeth: Flossing is essential, even with braces. Use a floss threader to insert the floss behind the wire, gently slide it between your teeth, and move it in a back-and-forth motion. Repeat the process for each tooth, ensuring you floss under the gum line. This will help to remove food debris and plaque that is hard to reach with a toothbrush.
Step 7: Use a Mouthwash: Using a mouthwash can freshen up your breath and kill bacteria, preventing gum disease and cavities. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s address some of the frequently asked questions about teeth brushing with braces.
Q: How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
A: Brushing your teeth with braces should be done after every meal and snack to remove food debris and plaque.
Q: Can I use an electric toothbrush with braces?
A: Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush with braces. However, ensure that the electric toothbrush you use has a soft-bristle head to avoid damaging the braces and wires.
Q: Should I use special toothpaste with braces?
A: There is no specific toothpaste for braces, but it’s recommended that you use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.
Q: How long does it take to brush your teeth with braces?
A: It takes about three to five minutes to brush your teeth with braces thoroughly.
Q: Should I use a mouthguard during sports with braces?
A: Yes, it’s crucial to use a mouthguard during sports with braces to protect both the brackets and teeth from any impact or injuries.
Conclusion
Oral hygiene is vital when you have braces to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Brushing and flossing with braces require extra effort and time, but with our step-by-step guide, you can ensure your teeth are clean and healthy. Remember, always brush after every meal, use interdental brushes, floss, and use a fluoride toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene. If you have any concerns about oral hygiene with braces or experience any discomfort, contact your orthodontist.