How to Take Care of Braces
Good oral hygiene is imperative after you get your braces on if you want to have the perfect smile when treatment is over. There are countless spaces and places between your teeth where food can get stuck. This can cause more plaque build-up and can lead to more serious dental issues down the road. Having good brushing and flossing habits from the very beginning can help prevent tooth discoloration, cavities, etc. We are here to give you some tips, tricks, and information on keeping your braces and teeth squeaky clean!
Brushing & Rinsing
Brushing is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth clean during braces treatment. We recommend brushing after any meal or if you find that excess food has gotten stuck in your teeth or braces throughout the day.
Holding your brush at a 45-degree angle and brushing from top to bottom can help get all the nooks and crannies which also helps release anything that has gotten stuck.
Remember to take your time! Rinse with water before and after your brushing to help dislodge anything you have in your mouth in the beginning and anything you might have missed in the end.
Flossing
Flossing is equally as important as brushing when you have braces on. You should be flossing at least once a day to maintain healthy gums! Floss is your best tool for getting pieces of food out from in between your teeth.
Flossing can be tricky when you have braces in your mouth. There are special tools you can get to help with this process, or you can rely on regular floss. Practice makes perfect! The more you floss your teeth the easier it will get. As your orthodontist to show you the best way to floss if you have any questions.
Regular Cleanings
During your braces treatment it is important to keep up on your regular dental appointments as well. This means that every six months you will be getting a professional cleaning from your dentist. This is a great way to monitor progress and to make sure you are cleaning your teeth the way you should be. Dentists can spot cavities, signs of gum disease, and they can provide you with the right information and treatments to combat these.
Orthodontist Visits
After you start your treatment, you will visit the orthodontist frequently for adjustments and changes to your appliances. Notifying your orthodontist if important if you are having trouble or severe discomfort from your braces. It is normal to be sore after your orthodontic visits, but if the pain is extreme or lasts longer than normal you should call the office.
You would also want to contact your orthodontic office if your wire, bracket, or a part of the appliance breaks or pops out of place. This will help expedite treatment so you don’t have to spend unneeded time in braces.
Hygiene Away From Home
It is easy to forget about your dental hygiene during school, work, or when you aren’t at home. We recommend getting a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. Get in the habit of rinsing and brushing anywhere you go! Make sure you are bringing the proper cleaning supplies and set aside some time to do your teeth cleaning routine if you are traveling too.
We hope these five easy tips will help you maintain spotless teeth so you can have the perfect smile when your braces treatment is over! Brushin on Belmont Dentistry and Orthodontics is here to answer any more questions you have. Contact us at (773) 821-9800 to make an appointment or ask further questions.