It’s up to you to ensure that your mouth is healthy and your teeth are clean, Dr. Varghese recommends regular and timely brushing and flossing of your teeth. Braces are specialized appliances placed on your teeth to correct their position and improve your bite. However, one of the famous questions that are asked every day is, HOW DO I BRUSH AND FLOSS MY TEETH WITH BRACES?
Everyone will agree that it can be time-consuming and difficult to keep proper oral health and boost self-care habits while in orthodontic treatment. Braces can be the perfect location to harbor food particles, plaque, and saliva build-up.
How to Brush your Teeth and Braces
Brushing your teeth with brackets on isn’t much different than from brushing without them. Many of those with braces typically brush their teeth at least twice every day. There’s a lot of information to know, more than brushing after every meal.
Before you begin brushing, swish some clean water around your mouth to get rid of any loose food particle.
A soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste are the perfect components to keep your teeth clean. We also recommend the use of Goby electric toothbrushes that are specifically designed to clean around your braces orthodontic treatment. Standard orthodontic treatment recommends fluoride based toothpaste, the best anti-tooth decay product. Using a “proxabrush” in between the brackets is highly recommended as their heads can easily and quickly be replaced, and their bristles are cone-shaped.
When using the proxabrush, carefully move it in small, circular movements to reach all food debris including those trapped under the gum line. Additionally, do not use lots of pressure; hold the brush at an angle while covering all places between the teeth, their surfaces, and between the brackets using a circular motion. It should take you some time to guarantee a thorough cleaning of your teeth. It is critical to use them every time you are cleaning your teeth.
Flossing your teeth with braces
It’s worth mentioning that not only is flossing with braces possible, it’s equally important to do so. It is incomplete to simply brush, as failing to floss or flossing improperly can increase the risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Flossing is another important step, especially to clean those locations where your brush can’t reach. Using floss with a floss-threader or Super-Floss will remove pieces of food and plaque in between teeth making it effective and easy. Similar to brushing, use only a little energy with the floss, and be careful between the braces and archwires, as well as teeth and gums.
How Often?
But how often should I brush my teeth? How often should I floss? Dr. Varghese recommends at least four to five times that include:
Wake up
After breakfast
After lunch
After dinner/Before bed
Gingivitis can form within 48 hours. It is clear that if you miss brushing and flossing for two consecutive days, or even improperly brush, you will be risking exposure to plenty of diseases not to mention the discoloration of your teeth. Oral diseases, including gingivitis and plaque, thrive on the germs resulting from pieces of food not brushed or flossed away. Flossing must be followed by an antibacterial mouthwash. Dr. Varghese recommends at least 30 seconds of rinsing. Your teeth will gradually straighten with braces, and with your continued diligence in proper oral care, many common oral issues can be avoided.
Please do not hesitate to contact our offices at 630.907.9680 or 847.961.5515 if any questions arise regarding your oral health during your orthodontic treatment.
