living with your braces<\/a> is one of the best ways to keep your smile healthy so you don\u2019t have to worry about dealing with additional problems. Enjoy a cavity-free smile during and post-braces treatment by following these five tips when brushing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Use the Proper Tools that Make it Easier<\/h2>\n
If you just got your braces put on, be sure to stock your bathroom with all the right tools to take care of your mouth. Even after eating foods that are safe for your braces, they can leave behind debris that gets stuck between your brackets and wires. That\u2019s why you\u2019ll need to invest in tools like a rubber-tipped gum massager or interdental brush to help dislodge these particles before picking up your toothbrush.<\/p>\n
Take Enough Time to Properly Clean Your Teeth<\/h2>\n
With braces, you may need a minute or two longer to make sure that you\u2019re thoroughly cleaning the entire surface of your upper and lower teeth. It\u2019s important to brush for three minutes twice a day to effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup.<\/p>\n
Use a Special Orthodontic Floss<\/h2>\n
Flossing your teeth with braces in your way can be frustrating when you don\u2019t have the right tools. At your local grocery store or online, you can find special floss threaders to aid in maneuvering dental floss behind your wires and between your teeth. Be sure to do this gently to prevent any damage to your oral tissues and remove all signs of food particles. This will prevent harmful oral bacteria from accumulating in your mouth.<\/p>\n
Brush in the Right Motion<\/h2>\n
Believe it or not, there\u2019s actually a proper motion to use when brushing your teeth with braces. Make small, circular patterns along your teeth. Because your brackets are in the middle of your teeth, you\u2019ll need to brush below and above them in order to fully clean your teeth and gums. Tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle can help you remove plaque from the entire surface area as well.<\/p>\n
Avoid Whitening Toothpastes<\/h2>\n
After your orthodontist puts your braces on, ask them if they have any toothpaste recommendations. Be sure to avoid using whitening toothpaste because once you get your braces taken off, the space where your brackets were won\u2019t be as bright as the other areas of your teeth. Be sure to use an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride to help ward off cavities.<\/p>\n
Using the proper brushing techniques when you have braces can allow you to fully enjoy your newly-improved and healthy smile after your treatment is over. Investing a little bit of extra effort and time into your daily oral hygiene routine and getting the right tools will be a decision that you won\u2019t regret. For any questions about proper oral care with braces, don\u2019t hesitate to contact your orthodontist.<\/p>\n
About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\nDr. Nathan Coughlin is passionate about improving the look and health of his patients\u2019 smiles. That\u2019s why he completed rigorous advanced training to become a Diplomate of Orthodontics. He also co-founded the Student Professionalism and Ethics Club at USC to help students learn more about ethics, moral values, and professionalism in dentistry. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Oakbrook Dental & Orthodontics\u2019 website<\/a> or contact 469-526-4040.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Brushing with braces can be a hassle because you have to maneuver around brackets and wires. You\u2019re excited to achieve a beautiful lifelong smile, but you\u2019re worried about developing cavities\u00a0in the process. Creating an effective oral hygiene routine while you\u2019re living with your braces is one of the best ways to keep your smile healthy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n
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<\/p>\n