Everyone wants a picture-perfect smile, but the first step in getting that smile is proper oral health and hygiene. Sometimes, you may need some orthodontic treatment to get it. If you wear braces, then it becomes more important for you to keep your teeth clean.
People who wear braces find it challenging to maintain dental hygiene as food particles and plaque accumulate around the brackets and wires. Irresponsible oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, or staining of teeth, which would prevent you from achieving the best results from the orthodontic treatment.
If you want to get professional guidance, then you should contact a dental practice in Vancouver, BC. They can make a plan for you so that you can maintain excellent oral health while wearing braces.
Read this article to learn more about how to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your smile beautiful and healthy.
Brushing Techniques for Braces Wearers
Brushing becomes difficult after you get braces, but it is important to avoid any plaque buildup on the teeth. Brushing can help in removing food particles that get trapped in the wire of braces while eating.
Use the Right Toothbrush
Use either a Soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, which is designed for braces wearers. These brushes are capable of reaching all parts of your teeth and the wires of your braces.
Brushing Angle Matters
The angle at which you brush is important, too. It is best to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Make sure that you brush above and below the brackets and clean thoroughly. This might take some more time, but it is important. This can help you reach parts of your teeth that are hard to reach and where plaque usually builds.
Brush After Every Meal
Braces can easily trap food particles; therefore, it is important that you brush your teeth after every meal. This may seem like repetitive work, but this is important as stuck food particles can cause bacterial growth and bad breath, which can be embarrassing. Thus, it is important to clean your teeth after every meal.
Flossing with Braces: A Must-Do Step
Flossing can also be very hard with braces, but it is also an important part of keeping your teeth safe and your gums healthy. If you do not floss regularly, then it can cause gum inflammation, which can make wearing braces more uncomfortable.
Use a Floss Threader
Try using a floss threader, which is basically a handy tool that can make it easier to guide the floss under the wires. The process is pretty simple. You just have to slide the floss between each tooth clean down to the gum line and repeat this between every tooth.
Consider a Water Flosser
A water flosser is also a good option if you do not want to use a floss threader. A water flosser basically uses a pressurized water stream to remove any debris and bacteria that are stuck between the teeth and around your braces. This is faster and more effective than a floss threader.
The Importance of Mouthwash and Fluoride Treatment
Mouthwash and fluoride treatments can give more protection to your teeth, especially if you wear braces. It can help in preventing cavities and gum diseases.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Swishing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy. Every night before you go to sleep, use mouthwash after brushing and flossing so that you can clean your teeth completely.
Opt for Fluoride Rinse
Using a fluoride mouthwash can help in keeping your enamel strong as it remineralizes the layer and reduces the risk of cavities. Ask your orthodontist if you need fluoride treatment or not. Fluoride treatment basically gives your teeth an extra layer of protection.
Keep Your Smile Safe
If you wear braces and want to get a picture-perfect smile, then it is important for you to take care of your teeth and braces. Maintain proper cleaning habits and go for regular checkups so that your orthodontics can give you the best treatment according to your needs.
