Braces are an essential tool for achieving a straighter, healthier smile, but they also make oral hygiene more challenging. Food particles and plaque can easily accumulate around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and staining. Proper brushing techniques are crucial to maintaining dental health during orthodontic treatment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to brush effectively with braces.
- Choose the Right Toothbrush for Braces
Selecting the right toothbrush for braces is the first step to effective cleaning. Many orthodontists recommend a soft toothbrush for braces, which is gentle on both teeth and gums and effectively removes plaque. Special orthodontic toothbrushes with V-shaped bristles or smaller heads can help reach around brackets and wires more easily. Electric toothbrushes with orthodontic brush heads are also highly effective, as their oscillating, rotating, or vibrating motions help dislodge trapped food particles.
- Use the Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing with braces requires slightly different techniques compared to brushing natural teeth. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and gently brush in small circular motions. Start by brushing above the brackets, then below them, and finally directly on the brackets themselves. Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces and the inner surfaces of your teeth as well. Brushing each section thoroughly for at least 10 seconds ensures that plaque is properly removed.
- Brush After Every Meal
Food particles are more likely to get trapped around braces than on natural teeth. Brushing after every meal can significantly reduce plaque buildup and prevent staining. If brushing immediately isn’t possible, rinsing your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash can help dislodge food and neutralise acids until you can brush properly.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel and protects against cavities, which is especially important during orthodontic treatment. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient, and make sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth evenly.
- Don’t Forget Interdental Cleaning
Even with careful brushing, plaque can accumulate in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Interdental brushes, floss threaders, or water flossers are excellent tools for cleaning between wires and teeth. These devices help remove trapped food and reduce the risk of gum disease and decay.
- Check Your Work
After brushing, it’s helpful to check your teeth in the mirror to ensure no areas around brackets or wires were missed. Plaque can be subtle but may appear as a thin film on the enamel.
- Maintain Regular Dental Visits
Regular visits to both your dentist and orthodontist are crucial. Professional cleanings and checkups ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout orthodontic treatment and allow early detection of any issues.
By following these tips, brushing with braces can be both manageable and effective. Consistency, proper technique, and the right tools, especially a soft toothbrush for braces, will help keep your teeth clean, prevent decay, and ensure your smile is as healthy as it is beautiful when your braces come off.