Braces are crucial in correcting crooked teeth and bite issues but raise special issues in the matter of oral hygiene. Food debris and plaque have a tendency to get easily caught up in wires and brackets, and these can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath if not kept clean. Regardless of whether you are a new wearer of braces or a seasoned one, learning good techniques and practices of tooth brushing is essential to achieving a healthy smile throughout the duration of orthodontic treatment.
It is where we are going to discuss oral hygiene best practices with braces. You can contact a specialist from a good dentist if you prefer advice from a professional. Dr. Thadsha from Walsh Dental, who is among the best dentists in Burnside, will provide professional service and advice in order to enable you to be in your best health.
Why Oral Hygiene Is More Important with Braces
Brackets give more surface area to the food particles and plaque to attach to, and due to this, correct cleaning needs to be done frequently. When poor oral hygiene is present while receiving orthodontic treatment, then many complications will arise, including:
- Tooth decay and cavities: Regular bacterial buildup around and on the brackets and wires creates more risk for cavities.
- Gum disease: bleeding and sore gums from poor cleaning can develop into gingivitis later.
- White Spot Lesions: These are long-term discolorations on the teeth that arise because of the plaque accumulation on the braces leading to demineralization of enamel.
- Bad Breath: Bacterial growth that is facilitated by food particles being lodged between brackets and wires results in bad breath.
To prevent these complications, there has to be a careful oral hygiene regime during your time on braces.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine for Braces
1. Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way
Brushing is the foundation of good oral hygiene, but with braces, you must be more cautious. This is how you brush properly with braces:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on teeth and also on braces, while an electric toothbrush can easily remove plaque.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: fluoride hardens enamel and protects against cavities.
- Brush At Least Twice a Day (Better Still After Each Meal): Since braces are so good at catching food, brushing between meals keeps it from decaying.
Use Correct Technique:
- Put toothbrush against gums at a 45-degree angle.
- Brush on top and bottom of your brackets.
- Brush with a small circular motion to remove plaque.
- Brush also the chewing surface and back sides of your teeth.
2. Flossing with Braces: A Step That Must Be Done
It is hard to floss with braces, but it must be done to get a clearout of food and plaque between teeth. Use these flossing tools and techniques to make it simpler:
- Use Waxed Floss: Waxed floss won’t catch so easily in your braces as unwaxed floss.
- Try a Floss Threader: A floss threader makes it easier to thread the floss around wires in order to be able to get between teeth.
- Use an orthodontic flosser: They are specifically designed for people who wear braces, and it is easier to do so.
- Try using a Water Flosser: A water flosser (like Waterpik) sprays out a stream of water to clear detritus in tight spaces and is an excellent appliance for brace wearers.
Floss at least once a day so no food particles can get trapped between your teeth.
3. Mouth Rinsing
An antibacterial fluoride mouthwash will:
- Kill bacteria that cause cavity- and gum disease.
- Decrease inflammation and soothe sore gums.
- Prevent enamel hardening and white spots.
Rinse with mouthwash one time per day, preferably following brushing and flossing, to keep breath and mouth fresh.
4. With Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are special, small brushes used to brush between wires and brackets. Interdental brushes can:
- Loosen plaque and food from cramped spaces.
- Find spaces an ordinary toothbrush can’t reach.
- Prevent cavities and gum disease.
Carefully brush around your braces daily with an interdental brush so that everything is nice and clean.
Healthy Oral Hygiene Diet Habits While Wearing Braces
Your diet has a lot to do with having healthy teeth when undergoing orthodontic treatment. There are foods that destroy braces, while there are others that enhance healthy oral hygiene.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods have a propensity to break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in braces and are difficult to clean. Avoid the following:
- Sticky Foods: caramel, taffy, gum, and sticky candy stick to braces and are not easily removed.
- Hard foods: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and ice cause breaking or loosening of wires and brackets.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sweet foods, sweet beverages, and candies cause plaque and cavities.
- Chewy foods: Bagels, hard meat, and chewy bread pull on braces and cause pain.
Braces-Friendly Foods
Enjoy soft, easy-to-chew foods that will not hurt your braces:
- Dairy foods like yogurt and cheese (which are full of calcium for strong teeth).
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and grapes.
- Steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
- Lean proteins, including fish, eggs, and tofu.
- Soft grains like pasta, rice, and oatmeal.
With healthy food, you can have a clean mouth and avoid bracing damage.
Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Regardless of the proper care of oral health at home, professional care is unavoidable. Regular check-ups by a dentist in Burnside keep your teeth in tip-top shape when under orthodontic treatment.
Why Regular Checkups Are Needed
- Professional Cleaning: Dentists remove those stubborn areas with special tools using a toothbrush.
- Tracking Progress: Your dentist can track your progress with treatment and that your gums and teeth are healthy.
- Early Detection of Problems: Regular checkups detect cavities, gum disease, or other problems before they become significant issues.
We at Walsh Dental recommend visiting the dentist every six months (or as suggested by your orthodontist) in order to maintain your teeth in the best possible condition.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene Issues Associated with Braces
1. Coping with Sore Teeth and Gums
There is temporary soreness brought on by braces, especially after getting adjusted. In order to minimize the soreness:
- Rinse with warm salt water in an effort to reduce swelling.
- Apply orthodontic wax so that brackets no longer rub on the inside of your mouth.
- Take pain medication over-the-counter if needed.
2. Avoiding Bad Breath
Food with braces can stick and lead to bad breath. To remain fresh:
- Brush and floss regularly in an attempt to prevent food from becoming lodged.
- Have more water to hydrate yourself.
- Chew on sugar-free gum to promote salivation.
3. Brace Emergency Care
- Lost brackets or wires: Have them replaced by your burnside dentist.
- Broken Wire: Apply some orthodontic wax over sharp wires to avert irritation.
- Lost Rubber Bands: Have them replaced immediately or consult your dentist.
Conclusion
It is discipline that is required in order to maintain consistency with mouth care when wearing braces, but with good technique, your teeth and gums may be kept on track. You need brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and a restriction of foods in order not to develop cavities and gum disease.
For expert and professional care, visit Walsh Dental, where skilled dentist Dr. Thadsha, a well-known Burnside dentist, will help you keep and enjoy a healthy smile. If you have issues with your braces or would like to book an appointment for a checkup, book one at Walsh Dental today!