Dental Care for Braces — Top Tips
Orthodontic Treatment can be important to improve the function and aesthetics of a smile. While wearing Braces, it’s vital to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine to make the most out of treatment, and ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
In this article, we will outline the top tips for Braces care and oral health, and provide a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
What Are Braces Used For?
Braces are worn to straighten teeth, fix issues with bite and enhance the aesthetics of a smile. Braces are placed on the teeth by an Orthodontist to correct the problems caused by crooked or crowded teeth. With the proper treatment and maintenance, the results of Braces can last a lifetime. However, the success of Braces Treatment is affected by how well the teeth and gums are cared for during this time.
How Do You Maintain Dental Care for Braces?
With the right oral health and Braces care routine, you can maintain a healthy mouth and maximise the results of your Braces Treatment. The key for Dental care for braces and keeping the teeth and gums healthy is daily plaque removal. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on the teeth. Cleaning the teeth and gums thoroughly to remove plaque daily may seem more difficult for patients with braces, but with practice and the right tools, it can be simple.
What happens if I don’t maintain the right Dental care for Braces?
During Orthodontic Treatment, it’s vital to maintain optimal oral hygiene and Braces care routine to ensure the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. If you don’t take the time to remove plaque that can build up with Braces, you risk tooth decay, gum disease (gingivitis), damage to tooth enamel, inflammation and other Dental problems. As part of your Dental and Braces care, you need to be visiting the Dentist for regular Check-Up and Clean appointments to remove tartar and treat any Dental health problems.
The Best Oral Hygiene Routine With Braces
While wearing Braces, it’s important to discuss the best Dental Hygiene Routine with your Oral Health Professional – they will outline exactly what you need to do and the tools to use to maintain oral health. However, here is an outline of Dental care for Braces.
- If your Braces Treatment involves elastics, remove them before brushing your teeth.
- Using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently brush your teeth all over and along the gumline. Use a circular motion, ensuring to brush every tooth from all angles.
- Gently brush the Braces, ensuring to brush all around the brackets and wires and brush the gaps between each tooth. An electrical toothbrush may be best to reach every area.
- Rinse your mouth to remove excess toothpaste. Inspect your teeth for any areas that you may have missed.
- Floss around the braces daily to remove plaque.
- Use any other oral health care tools or products that your Oral Health Professional has prescribed, such as mouthwash, floss or picks. Replace your elastics once finished.
Oral & Braces Care Tips
Brushing Tips
The teeth and Braces should be brushed at least two to three times per day, especially after eating. First, make sure to remove any elastic bands or other removable parts. Your Oral Health Professional may prescribe specially designed orthodontic toothbrushes, otherwise, a soft toothbrush will do. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove plaque more effectively and are especially helpful for Dental care for Braces. It is important to brush gently around the braces as they will trap more plaque than the smooth surfaces of the teeth.
Flossing Tips
It’s important to floss around the braces daily to remove plaque from between the teeth. It may be best to choose a threading floss with a stiffened end to feed the floss in between the teeth and under the wires of the braces. For example, Superfloss, Floss Threaders and X-Floss. Interdental brushes are another great tool for braces.
Mouthwash Tips
Due to the increased difficulty of cleaning around Braces, we also recommend a daily fluoride mouthwash. This will strengthen the teeth and protect against dental decay.
Diet Tips
While wearing Dental Braces, it’s especially important to maintain a tooth-friendly diet. This means avoiding sugary foods and drinks that can result in tooth decay. It’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth from becoming dry. Certain hard foods can impact your Braces and should be avoided, such as toffee, hard muesli bars, or biting into an apple. It’s also recommended not to consume chewy foods such as lollies or chewing gum, which can get stuck in your Braces.
Lifestyle Tips
Certain lifestyle or oral habits can impact your Braces care and treatment. Habits such as chewing on hard objects, biting your nails or tongue thrusting can break your Braces. It’s important to be conscious of these habits and avoid doing them. It’s also important to attend all oral health appointments prescribed by your Oral Health Professional, which will keep your Treatment on track and prevent potential Dental problems.
Oral Hygiene and Braces FAQs
Can you use mouthwash with braces?
You can and should use mouthwash while wearing Braces. Mouthwash with fluoride should be a regular part of your oral health routine. Rinsing with mouthwash will protect your mouth against Dental decay.
Which toothbrush is best for braces?
It’s recommended to use an electric toothbrush as they are proven to be more effectively remove plaque. Otherwise, a soft toothbrush is best. If you use a regular toothbrush, be careful to not brush too hard as this may damage your Braces.
What kind of toothpaste do you use for braces?
You should be using toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay. If you’re not sure of which toothpaste to use, chat with your Oral Health Professional and they will recommend the best toothpaste for Braces.
How do I take care of my braces?
For the best Dental care for Braces, we recommend following all of the above tips! Ensure that you brush twice daily, floss and use mouthwash daily. It’s important to maintain the right diet for optimal oral health and to visit your Dentist for frequent Check-Up and Cleans.
Care for Your Dental Health with Brisbane Smiles
Book your next Check-Up and Clean appointment with the friendly team at Brisbane Smiles to remove tartar and monitor your oral health. Our Dentists often recommend that patients with Braces visit more regularly for Cleans due to the increased risk of decay and gum disease during treatment. Book online or call us today!
