LAST UPDATED: JUNE 28, 2017
Braces could help you achieve that dream of having straight teeth and a great smile, but you will need to continue brushing and flossing your teeth in order to keep your mouth healthy. This orthodontic treatment works best when
you practice proper oral hygiene. It may take a little more effort than you are used to, but all good things require extra work. The end results will be well worth it. Once the braces come off, you will begin to notice that beautiful, healthy smile.
FAQ
What is plaque?
Plaque is not a myth; it is a problem that no one wants! Each day, plaque will find its way into your mouth, but with thorough cleanings throughout the day, you can remove it. Removing the plaque is even more important when you have braces because the wires give the plaque more places to hide within the mouth. The saliva, food, and bacteria make up the plaque that will hide itself within the brackets of your braces, and if it is not removed, it can cause various dental issues, such as:
Cavities
Bad Breath
Swollen Gums
Teeth Staining
How Often Should You Brush?
A good habit to practice is brushing teeth with braces after each meal. Even if you are unable to brush using a toothbrush, you should at least rinse your mouth with water. Be sure to swoosh the water around your mouth completely before spitting it out. However, it is a good idea to carry a travel toothbrush with you to help maintain your braces. This may not be the “cool” thing to do for teenagers, but remember it’s half of the battle when trying to obtain a beautiful smile.
Regardless if you have access to a toothbrush between each meal, you will need to brush your teeth no less than two times per day. In addition to brushing, you will need to make sure you floss at least once per day. When you are done brushing your teeth, make sure that they are clean and shiny. A sparkle will let you know that you’ve done a great job! The best time to brush your teeth is right before you go to bed.
See your orthodontist on a regular basis, and follow any recommendation that he may have. This helps ensure that your braces create the best results.
What’s the Difference of brushing your teeth with braces?
Many teenagers have the same question: How do I clean my teeth with braces? The answer is that there isn’t a tremendous difference, but you will need to make a few adjustments. Your children should still brush their teeth for a full two minutes with each brush. Instead of replacing your child’s toothbrush every three months, you will want to replace it sooner because the bristles will wear down quicker due to the brackets and wires.
How do I choose the Right Toothbrush
Before you teach your child how to brush his teeth with braces, you will need to search for the perfect toothbrush. Even though you can use a regular toothbrush, there are different toothbrushes designed specifically for people with braces. These toothbrushes have the ability to clean around the wires and brackets, reaching those places where plaque is known to hide.
When searching for toothbrushes that are more effective and can save you both a lot of time, you should keep these things in mind:
Electric Toothbrushes – The bristles can get caught in the braces, which will cause this cleaning instrument to wear down. This also makes an electric or sonic toothbrush hard to maneuver in your mouth due to the braces.
Interdental Toothbrushes – This is the best type of brush to use because it has an angled head and brush that fits around the braces with ease. Most of these cleaning instruments come with a replaceable brush that is triangular and can reach all sides of the teeth.
Regular Toothbrushes – If you choose this option, the bristles will need to be angled up as you brush upwards and downwards in order to clean the teeth thoroughly over the braces.
Should I Use Fluoride Mouthwash?
Sometimes, an orthodontist will prescribe fluoride mouthwash for your children to use, in addition to brushing their teeth. This mouthwash will reach the places that a toothbrush cannot. The fluoride mouthwash will also remove the food that may have gotten stuck into the braces.
Your children should also consider using an air flosser or waterpik to flush out the food that is stuck in their braces.
What are the Consequences of Poor Oral Hygiene?
Although braces will not damage the teeth, poor hygiene can. This is why you want to stress to your children the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth properly with braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene can provide your children with wonderful results.
Poor oral hygiene could have negative consequences, but these problems become even bigger when a person has braces. If these issues occur, you will need to take your child to seek orthodontic treatment Fredericksburg has to offer immediately, in order to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Here are some of the potential issues that your child could encounter if she fails to care for her teeth properly while wearing braces.
Decalcifications: Also known as white spots. These are white stain marks that appear around the braces. Therefore, it is extremely important that your child brush her teeth twice a day, and after each snack, in order to maintain good oral hygiene.
Gingivitis: Also referred to as gum disease. Since this disease is usually painless, you will have to look out for the signs that it exists, such as bleeding and swollen gums. Gingivitis results when plaque builds up around the gum line.
Periodontitis: When your child’s teeth go untreated, gingivitis will occur and could ultimately lead to periodontitis. When this happens, inflammation and infection are in his gums, and the two will eventually spread to the bone and ligaments that support his teeth. The gums will begin to pull away, and more plaque will build up, which could lead to severe health problems.
You are in Control!
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Remember that braces and wires are known to attract food and plaque, which could stain the teeth. You do not want to do anything to prevent the braces from doing their job, so be sure to care for them properly. You and your child will be in charge of cleaning the teeth, and braces. The team at Beecroft Orthodontics will give you both tips and advice that could make brushing teeth with braces a little easier.
How to Get Your Best Smile
While a smile is the best thing you can wear, some people find themselves self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. If crooked or misshapen teeth make you want to hide your smile, our team of orthodontists in Stafford is here to help! We know just what it takes to bring out the beautiful smile in anyone, and will work to do whatever is necessary to give you a grin you’ll be proud to show! Contact us today and let us get you started on the road to a beautiful smile.
11113 Leavells Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: 540 898 2200
How Often Should I Brush my Teeth with Braces?