Brushing and flossing are essential for a healthy smile, but they are even more crucial if you have braces in Northampton. Without the proper oral hygiene habits, harmful plaque and bacteria can get trapped between your teeth and around the brackets, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Your oral hygiene routine will differ for a while, but there isn’t any reason to worry. Here are the best tips and tricks to make brushing and flossing with braces a breeze.
Brushing with Braces
Besides brushing twice daily, you should also clean your teeth after eating, but don’t do it right away. If your teeth were exposed to acidic foods, your enamel might be temporarily softened, which will increase the risk of erosion if you brush within 60 minutes of eating.
When it’s time to brush, it’s best to clean all surfaces of your teeth for at least 2 minutes. To ensure the time you spend brushing is effective, here are a few steps to follow:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s held at a slight angle and use gentle back-and-forth motions.
- Brush the outer surfaces of your upper and lower teeth before cleaning the inner sides.
- Clean the entire chewing surface of each tooth, especially the upper and lower molars.
- Don’t forget to carefully clean your tongue to remove bacteria and food particles.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthrinse to neutralize any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush.
Some patients find an electric toothbrush to be easier to use than a manual one. It offers more brush strokes per minute than what’s possible with a traditional one for a more effective clean.
Flossing with Braces
At first, flossing with braces can be quite challenging, but in no time at all, it will feel routine. Your orthodontist will recommend you floss your teeth at least once per day if you can’t do it after every meal. This prevents bacteria from accumulating in your mouth that can lead to gum disease and bad breath.
Using a waxed or unwaxed floss, here are 5 simple steps to clean between each tooth:
- Choose a high-quality dental floss that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
- Use 18-inches of floss, which makes it easy to wrap it around your index fingers.
- Gently insert the floss between two teeth and form a C-shape around the base of your tooth.
- Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean from the gum line to the crown.
- Repeat this process for each tooth.
If standard dental floss is too difficult to use, consider a waterflosser to clean the hard-to-reach places.
Maintain a Healthy Smile
Besides committing to your oral hygiene at home, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
About DeMaio Orthodontics
DeMaio Orthodontics strives to create healthy, beautiful smiles through personalized treatment plans. We welcome patients of all ages who need orthodontics. Dr. DeMaio has over 16 years of experience to ensure you achieve the best results possible. If you or your child needs braces, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.