5 DENTAL CARE TIPS WHEN WEARING DENTAL BRACES
Dental braces are fixed dental appliances that are used to re-arrange the teeth. They produce remarkable results that can boost your confidence and oral health. However, it is important to note that this process is a journey that could take between 6-18 months (depending on the amount of realignment required).
Based on the above, it becomes important to maintain excellent oral hygiene during the process, so as not to compromise your oral health. Proper dental hygiene is important no matter what type of braces you have on – conventional wires and brackets, or clear aligners.
As long as you have braces on, you will now have to put in more effort into your daily dental routine. Truthfully, it will take some time getting used to the extra work, but the results are as rewarding as your new smile when the braces are taken off.
5 Tips on dental care when wearing dental braces:
Choosing a Toothbrush and Toothpaste:
Use a soft- bristled toothbrush when you have braces on. If you can afford an electric toothbrush, choose one with a round oscillating head. Avoid brushing hard, so that you do not dislodge the brackets or the wires of the braces.
Brush your teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste; this helps prevent cavities and also strengthens the enamel (white, outer layer) of your teeth.
Brushing Your Teeth:
When you have braces it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal (even snacks). This is because dental plaque and small food particles would tend to get trapped or buildup between the wires and your teeth, which can look embarrassing when you talk or lead to bad breath.
You should brush three teeth at a time, with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gumline, and in gentle circular motion. Massage the gums and clean the tooth surfaces by gently sweeping your toothbrush from the gum onto the tooth and away from it; paying extra attention to the braces with hooks as these are the areas that are more likely to trap plaque.
Mouth Rinses and Mouthwash:
Rinse your mouth with after meals to get rid of food particles that could get stuck between your braces. Using a mouthwash to rinse your mouth is also good, but more effective at night before going to bed. In selecting a mouthwash, an alcohol-free mouthwash is recommended.
When rinsing your mouth, rinse for at least 2-3 minutes and spit out.
Flossing:
Yes! You can floss with braces on! Actually, we do have some cool flossing products specifically made braces. CHECK HERE The best option is the flosser that comes with a threader- this allows you to precisely insert the floss thread between the braces and clean easily.
There are also interdental brushes that are designed to clean larger spaces and those hard-to-reach areas. These brushes are quite flexible and can be bent into any angle. We also have them in our online store. SHOP HERE
Flossing when wearing dental braces should be done at least once a day. Avoid applying too much force, instead gently slide the floss in a back-and-forth motion while inserting or removing the floss.
Eating the Right Food:
To help make your daily dental care routine less stressful while you have braces on, avoid sticky, chewy or hard foods like caramels, popcorns or nuts that can easily get stuck in between the braces.
Better options will include crunchy healthy foods and fruits (carrots, apples e.t.c) which should ideally be cut into smaller pieces to prevent damage to the braces.