Are you new to having braces? You may have noticed how much more food gets caught in and around your teeth! You may be wondering if there is any special way to clean braces or anything your should be adding to your cleaning routine with braces. Do not be alarmed at the fact that cleaning your teeth with braces takes much longer than before braces. This is to be expected but no reason to slack on your dental hygiene!
Plaque Builds Up Faster
Plaque is that white residue that can feel like our teeth are wearing sweaters. When we clean our teeth properly, as in brush for 2 minutes twice per day and floss, plaque build up decreases. If we fail to maintain this routine, bacteria increases as it feeds on the built up plaque, leading to cavities and gum disease.
When we have braces, there are more surfaces for plaque to adhere to. Therefore, you have all the more reason to stick to a consistent cleaning routine.
Some Helpful Tips
Your cleaning routine will remain basically the same but with a few extra tools. Below is a list of items that will help you tremendously!
Flossers: These are plastic needle looking tools that will help you to floss with braces. Use them in basically the same way you use a needle and thread. OralB explains, “Use waxed floss and thread it carefully under the main wire before passing between two teeth. Don’t snap it—simply move up and down gently, remove, and move on to the next pair of teeth.”
Electric toothbrush: Although regular toothbrushes ca do a fine job, an electric tooth brush has some helpful "extras". In addition to the bristles moving at a faster pace, many of the new electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors so you do not brush too hard. They also have built in timers to help you reach that full 2 minutes of brushing time. Another plus is they have brush heads specifically designed for cleaning around braces! Keep in mind that it is a good idea to replace your toothbrush every 3 months since the brackets cause your toothbrush bristles to wear out faster.
Proxy brush: These are mini brushes that resemble straw cleaners. Due to their size and bendable build, they are able to clean out remaining food particles and are great to have on hand for after meals!
Schedule Your Dental Visits
On and end note, don't miss your orthodontist visits! These visits allow for necessary adjustments to be made to ensure your teeth are moving correctly. The more consistent your are with your appointments, the more on schedule you will be to get your braces removed! Additionally, don’t forget your regular 6 month check-ups. These are especially important when you have braces because of the increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Your General Dentist can also explain to you the best way to maintain your dental hygiene throughout the duration of your braces.
Have questions or want to get braces? Give the Escondido Dental Group and Orthodontics a call! (760) 233-2260