How To Keep Your Teeth Clean With Dental Braces
There are many different types of appliances involved in orthodontia, which is the process of straightening your teeth and properly aligning your bite. Some appliances include retainers (both wire and clear), bracket and band braces and aligner trays. Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to decay, wear, gum recession and gum disease, whereas correctly aligned teeth promote good oral health. Teeth in proper alignment are easier to clean, as there are fewer nooks and crannies where bacteria can get trapped. Orthodontia is an option at almost any age, so talk with your dentist if you are interested in aligning your teeth. It is vital to keep your teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible during the orthodontic work. Listed below are some helpful tools.
Use An Electric Toothbrush
One of the essential tools you can use during your braces treatment is an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes do a great job of accessing the brackets and at the gum line and removing more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Use an electric toothbrush with a small head, which is easily adaptable to your back teeth. Some electric toothbrushes even come with fancy gadgets such as a 2-minute timer and a pressure indicator.
Use a Water Flosser
A water flosser is a tool that helps remove plaque from around the brackets and the teeth with a jet of water. Water flossers are great for difficult to access spots. Although a water flosser is an ideal tool for removing plaque to keep your gums healthy, it doesn’t fully replace the need for flossing to prevent cavities.
Use Floss Threaders
To floss your teeth, you may require the assistance of a floss threader. This tool will help you string the floss underneath an archwire or retainer. The process can be tedious, but it is essential to help reduce your risk of cavities.
Use Fluoride Products
Fluoride is an essential component of any oral hygiene regimen. During orthodontic work, you may be particularly susceptible to cavities. Try to use fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash at least once a day to lessen your risk of cavities.
More frequent Dental Cleanings
With braces on, there are individual nooks and crannies that you won’t be able to clean out adequately, even with the most diligent brushing and flossing. More frequent dental cleanings, every 3 to 4 months, are recommended to access those problematic areas and monitor gum and tooth health. At each cleaning, your dental hygienist will review brushing and flossing and assess your oral health.