Many adults and teens require orthodontic treatment due to tooth misalignment or because they opted for the faster-than-usual six-month smile braces. Brushing and flossing with braces need some new skills, but there are ways to do it that will keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brushing your teeth properly, flossing, and doing everything else may take three to five minutes the first few times before you get the hang of it with the new cleaning regimen. By following these guidelines, you can still take good care of your teeth while wearing your six month smile braces.
To keep your teeth and braces in good shape, follow these 11 steps:
- Buy an excellent toothbrush. If your dentist doesn’t have a recommendation for you, a regular toothbrush is what you should get. If you ask other people who have them, you may not get the best advice on which brush to use for your braces. Inquire with your dentist or orthodontist about the most excellent option for getting one with a pointed end and groove that will go in between the braces.
- Put some toothpaste on your toothbrush as you usually would, and then clean your teeth using gentle, circular strokes. The front teeth should be cleaned first, followed by the back, and finally, the chewing surface. Listen to your orthodontist’s alternative suggestions.
- When you brush, hold your toothbrush at an angle to reach beneath your braces. Repeat this with a gentle up-and-down motion of the toothbrush. You can easily move the brush beneath the wires and onto your teeth.
- Keep brushing until you’ve cleaned the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of all your teeth. Once you’re done brushing your teeth, spit the leftover toothpaste into the sink.
- Check your teeth and gums after a good mouthwash. Do they still appear unclean or unpleasant? If they do, you need to brush them thoroughly. Rinse, brush, and floss again until your teeth appear sparkling.
- Get out and buy some floss. To clean under your braces effectively, most orthodontists will provide you with floss that has firm ends.
- After threading the floss beneath your braces, use gradual, up-and-down motions, precisely as you would when without using braces. Use this method on each tooth. It takes time, but good oral hygiene is worth the investment.
- Check for food between your teeth after thorough flossing to be sure it was done correctly. If there is, you didn’t floss well enough and should try again.
- Now you should do a thorough oral examination to look for painful areas or loose brackets or wires. Use the little Christmas tree-shaped brushes your orthodontist provided to clean between your teeth.
- After brushing and flossing, swirl some mouthwash to remove leftover debris and stimulate saliva production.
- Double-check your oral hygiene by looking in the mirror; if anything looks dirty, repeat it.
Miami Modern Dental – The best dental care advice is always at your service.
Looking for a family dental clinic near me? If so, contact the friendly staff at Miami Modern Dentistry right away.
