If you’re getting braces, you’ll need to consider that it’s not the exact same as cleaning teeth without braces.
Getting braces is one thing, but cleaning your teeth with braces is yet another thing to learn with your new braces. At Smart Smile Orthodontics in Ballina, we care about not only providing exceptional treatment to patients but also educating them as best we can along their new orthodontic journey.
Here are our commonly asked questions about cleaning your teeth with braces…
Why should I clean my braces?
Your teeth and braces will always collect food as you eat. The bacteria in your mouth can quickly change the food particles into plaque which forms an acid that attacks your teeth while toxins attack your gums. From this, demineralisation (white marks on teeth) occurs as well as tooth decay and inflamed gums.
To prevent all of this from occurring, it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal and snack.
How do I clean my teeth with braces?
Cleaning your braces is as easy as following these five steps:
- Angle your brush down onto your braces and apply pressure so the bristles slide underneath the wire and between teeth.
- Brush in small circles – spend about 10 seconds on each tooth. Do this for both the top and bottom rows.
- Clean the area between the gums and the braces. This is important as this is where the food collects.
- Brush the chewing surfaces and insides of your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth out!
Do I need to clean my toothbrush?
Once you’ve finished brushing your teeth, make sure to rinse your toothbrush because the last thing you need to do is feed gingivitis with bacteria and food particles left on your toothbrush.
Always rinse your toothbrush under hot water. Run your finger up and down the bristles to rid of any food particles you left behind from the last time. Store your toothbrush upright and where the bristles can air dry.
To be extra vigilant you can soak your toothbrush in chlorhexidine mouthwash to kill more germs.
What happens if I don’t brush my teeth with braces?
Due to their unique design, naturally, braces are traps for plaque and food. Bacteria, food debris, plaque and other nasties will over time accumulate around the brackets that are glued and sealed to your teeth.
If these are not removed, they may demineralise the enamel around the bracket and begin to form cavities which, a lot of the time, are hard to see!
Experienced Family Orthodontist in Ballina
If you’d like to learn more about orthodontics, get in touch online. Alternatively, to book your consultation with one of our exceptional orthodontists, call our Ballina practice on 02 6686 6705 today!
Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
