Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, especially when you are wearing braces. Food particles can easily get trapped in your braces, leading to various dental issues. Here are some recommendations on how to brush and care for your teeth with braces:
Type of Toothbrush:
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. You can opt for any brand that suits your preference. Remember to replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every three months, to ensure effective cleaning.
If you prefer an electric toothbrush, options like Braun/Oral-B, Interplak, and SonicCare are effective. Whether you choose manual or electric, both can work well when used correctly. If you opt for an electric toothbrush, remember to replace the brush heads as frequently as you would with a manual toothbrush.
Brushing steps:
- Start by rinsing your mouth with water to remove any loose food particles.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush. If using an electric toothbrush, ensure the brush head is clean and intact.
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and braces. Gently brush in small circular motions, covering all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Pay extra attention to the areas around your braces, including the brackets, wires, and bands. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to clean these areas thoroughly.
- Clean the gum line by angling your toothbrush slightly upwards and brushing along the gumline in a circular motion.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
Type of Toothpaste:
Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Any brand with fluoride is suitable. Choose a toothpaste that motivates you to brush regularly. Additionally, using an over-the-counter fluoride rinse, such as ACT or Colgate, daily, as instructed, can help strengthen your enamel while wearing braces.
Flossing:
Flossing with braces can be more challenging but is essential. Use a floss threader or superfloss to make flossing easier. We will provide you with these tools, and they are also available at most drugstores. Remember, brushing is the most crucial step for good oral hygiene while wearing braces.
Frequency of Brushing:
Follow this brushing schedule to maintain oral hygiene with braces:
- Brush thoroughly as soon as you wake up (at least four minutes) before getting dressed or having breakfast to remove plaque that has accumulated overnight.
- After breakfast, quickly brush to remove food particles from your teeth.
- After school, brush thoroughly again to eliminate plaque that has built up since the morning.
- Another quick brushing session after dinner.
- Before bed, thoroughly brush your teeth, and don’t forget to floss.
Always remember to brush your teeth, gums, and tongue. Neglecting gum cleaning can lead to gum inflammation, redness, and bleeding. Give attention to your gums during each brushing session.
The suggested schedule requires minimal time and effort. Keeping your teeth and gums clean will prevent bad breath, gum problems, tooth damage, and help expedite the removal of your braces.
Dr. Tsibel’s RULE OF 4’S for oral hygiene with braces:
- Brush at least 4 times a day.
- Brush for at least 4 minutes each time.
- Floss at least 4 days a week (ideally every day or a minimum of 4 days per week).
- Schedule dental cleanings with your family dentist every 4 months.
Inadequate oral hygiene may result in the following issues:
- Redness along the gum line
- Swollen and puffy gums
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
- Plaque accumulation around brackets and near the gumline
By following proper brushing and flossing techniques, you can maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us. Once you get your braces, we will provide you with detailed instructions and handouts on how to keep your teeth clean with braces. Remember, it is of utmost importance!
