Let’s be honest: a lot of people usually breeze through their oral hygiene routines without much thought. Well, starting orthodontic treatment changes everything. Metal brackets and wires mean you need to adjust your routine to effectively clean your teeth. If you find your dental care routine frustrating now, don’t fret! Continue reading to learn come tips that will help when brushing and flossing with braces.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing with Braces
Do you typically brush your teeth before flossing? Recent studies suggest that reversing this order might decrease plaque buildup. Let’s begin with a detailed guide to flossing with braces:
- Remove any orthodontic accessories, such as rubber bands (elastics)
- Rinse your mouth out with fresh, clean water to remove debris
- Guide the dental floss underneath the main wire before carefully flossing
- Floss between every tooth, even the hard-to-reach molars
A Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing with Braces
With plaque, food particles, and debris removed from your teeth, your brushing routine will become even more effective. Next, you should:
- Use fluoride toothpaste – You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will prevent dental damage.
- Place your toothbrush at an angle – This will allow you to clean the top and bottom of each of your bracket and along the gumline.
- Brush for at least a full two minutes – This is key to getting your teeth properly cleaned.
- Rinse your mouth – Additionally, check your teeth and brush again if needed.
A Few Other Tips for a Healthy, Happy Smile
Brushing and flossing are essential for good oral hygiene, but there’s more to keeping your smile healthy. Complete your at-home dental care routine by gently cleaning your tongue and using mouthwash. Maintain a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins and fresh fruits to support dental health from within.
Also, avoid habits detrimental to dental health such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, chewing ice, and eating foods that can damage teeth. Lastly, don’t forget regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months to maintain optimal oral health.
Maintaining cavity-free teeth demands a consistent brushing and flossing routine, especially during the months you wear braces. Fortunately, with the tips mentioned above, you can make your oral hygiene routine much smoother and more manageable!
About the Practice
If you’re seeking to correct a crooked smile or misaligned bite, Rauchberg Dental Group provides solutions to achieve a more beautiful smile. We offer orthodontic treatments such as braces to align your teeth and fulfill your smile goals. Additionally, we offer advice and strategies to make your orthodontic experience smoother. To learn more about improving your oral hygiene routine with braces or to schedule an appointment, contact Rauchberg Dental Group at (973) 718-9887 or visit our website.