How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces And Why It's Important

Dental hygiene is important, even when you have braces. Read here to learn how to brush your teeth with braces and why it’s important.

Do you have or need braces?

If so, then you might know a thing or two about how orthodontics require extra help when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and clean.

When you have braces, brushing your teeth is essential if you want a healthy, beautiful smile.

It’s up to you to keep your mouth healthy. Only you can make the commitment to care for your teeth daily.

So, use our guide below to learn how to brush your teeth with braces and why it’s especially important to do so.

Why Proper Care Is Important

If you have braces, then you may find it harder to commit to proper dental care.

Plaque is made up of food, saliva, and bacteria. Since it is so sticky, plaque can hide in the brackets and wires on your teeth, which can often be difficult to remove.

Without proper dental care for your braces, plaque can lead to problems such as:

• Cavities
• Swollen gums
• Bad Breath
• Permanent teeth stains
• Gum disease

When you put in the extra effort, however, you will be more than happy when the braces come off.

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces

To help combat dental problems, you need to know when and how to brush your teeth with braces.

The American Dental Association advises that you brush your teeth after you eat any food, including every meal and snack. You should do your best to brush your teeth both after you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep as well.

By following the steps below, you will be one step closer to a nicer smile in no time:

• Put toothpaste on your toothbrush and place the brush at a 45-degree angle
• Brush the gum line with a small circular motion on each tooth
• Spend at least 10 seconds on each tooth before moving onto the next
• Don’t miss any teeth!
• Gentle brush the braces but press firmly enough so the bristles get behind the wire
• Brush in and around all brackets at wires
• Brush both the inside and outsides of your teeth
• Use a firm back and forth motion
• Spit out the excess paste and then inspect your pearly whites
• Replace your elastics if necessary

Upon brushing, consider rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash to finish the routine. It’s also very important to floss. Flossing is a li ttle more difficult with braces, so using a flosser can be really helpful.

To remove any stubborn food stuck between your braces, use a proxy brush. A proxy brush is a small, flexible brush that can easily slide up and around the braces on your teeth. Some people carry them around every where so they can quickly remove stuck food without hurting themselves.

Once you’ve thoroughly brushed your teeth, make sure that you keep up with the routine. As long as you do, you will prevent cavities, white spots, and other dental problems that can wreck your teeth and your gums.

Do You Need Orthodontic Services?

If you do, and you are in the greater Tampa area, then contact Abdoney Orthodontics today.

With a long-standing reputation in our community, we pride ourselves on our history of excellent care with our friendly staff and highly qualified doctors.

We offer orthodontic services for all ages, so contact one of our offices today. It is never too late to get a great smile, and we can not wait to help you get started.