How to Keep Your Braces Clean

by | Apr 20, 2023 | Dental Braces | 0 comments

Whether we like it or not, many of us have, are, or will consider wearing braces at some point in our lives. Around 4 million Americans undertake orthodontic treatment with braces at any point in time, although research shows that the actual number of people who should have braces installed is higher Achieving that perfect smile is impossible without a drop of dedication mixed with a bucket of patience. Although braces can be uncomfortable — especially at the beginning of your treatment — that dazzling smile you’ve been dreaming of is not too far ahead, and you can speed up your treatment journey by taking proper care of your braces! There’s no rocket science behind it; a mix of using the proper tools and employing the proper brushing techniques will keep your braces sparkling!

 

Why You Must Keep Your Braces Properly Clean

Keeping your braces clean is just as important for your oral health as brushing your pearly whites every day. That is because braces make it more challenging to achieve proper oral hygiene! Orthodontic appliances create all sorts of nooks and crannies between themselves and your teeth, where bacteria are free to proliferate in peace. Unless removed through adequate brushing, the bacteria will gradually stick to your teeth, leading to plaque build-up, tartar, gum disease, and, worst of all, tooth decay.

 

Keeping Your Braces Clean Takes Patience and Dedication!

 

1. Pick the Right Toothbrush for Braces

Starting your orthodontic treatment with braces is a game-changer when it comes to picking the optimal toothbrush. Unfortunately, your current toothbrush will probably fall short of properly cleaning your gums, tooth surfaces, and braces simultaneously. Therefore, you’ll need to expand your arsenal of tools to include the following toothbrushes:

  1. A small-sized head toothbrush with soft bristles (stiff bristles may be too harsh on your gums and cause inflammation/bleeding). Look for an electric toothbrush.
  2. A single-tufted brush (ideal for cleaning the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your mouth).
  3. An interdental toothbrush (they work like floss toward cleaning the areas between your teeth).

Beautiful girl smiling

2. Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal

Not all of us have the time for it, but brushing your teeth after every meal impedes the build-up of plaque while keeping your braces clean. Rinsing your teeth with mouthwash is an excellent makeshift solution until your next brush since it successfully dislodges the food particles stuck in your braces!

 

3. Use the Appropriate Brushing Technique

Next comes the essential step of your brace care routine: brushing your teeth properly. Your current brushing technique is probably not designed for cleaning every angle of your orthodontic appliances, which is why we’re here to teach you how to level up your tooth-brushing game!

  1. Start by brushing the top of your braces using circular motions. This approach will ensure a thorough clean-up of the visible side of your braces.
  2. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when cleaning your braces brackets. The angle will allow the bristles to reach the top and bottom of each bracket (i.e., areas where bacteria and food particles love to hide). The same applies to the gum line.
  3. Now, getting the inside of your teeth clean is more challenging. Aside from brushing at a 45-degree angle, you’ll need to clean your teeth in a straight-up-down-out motion. Be careful, as it might get messy!
  4. Last comes your interdental toothbrush, which will help you clean between the brackets and under the archwire (again, the most accessible places for plaque to build up). Begin by pointing the bristles toward the gum while covering the area under the wire and between the brackets. Then, gently move the brush up and down several times for each tooth.

4. Don’t Forget About Flossing and Mouthwash!

Your oral hygiene routine doesn’t end with brushing! Next, we must ensure that those pesky food particles don’t become lodged between your teeth. That’s a job for a special floss threader, a floss pick, or a water flosser! Unfortunately, regular floss just won’t do since the braces won’t allow it to reach your tooth gaps. Once you’re done flossing, it’s time to complete your oral hygiene routine with mouthwash. As mentioned earlier, certain moments are inappropriate for tooth brushing (e.g., between grabbing a quick bite and attending an important presentation). That’s why rinsing your oral cavity with mouthwash works as a perfect makeshift solution since it dislodges any leftover food particles from your teeth and braces. Furthermore, it will keep your breath minty fresh throughout the day. But remember to brush your teeth when you get home!

Girl with braces using interdental brush

5. Stay Away From Sticky Foods

Aside from adequate oral hygiene, caring for your braces also requires sticking to appropriate foods. Unfortunately, your long-time favorites might clash with your orthodontic treatment, which is why some adjustments are in order. As such, hard, sticky foods with loads of sugar and artificial coloring will favor bacterial growth in your oral cavity. Instead, your orthodontist will recommend calcium and protein-rich foods that are more gentle on your teeth. Check out this article to explore Dr. Lee’s “A-Okay” list of foods for braces!

 

6. Visit Your Orthodontist Frequently

Once you have a healthy routine in place, it’s time to get feedback on your results. That’s where regular orthodontic appointments come in handy. So visit your orthodontist now and then to ensure that you’re on the right track toward achieving that much-desired perfect smile!

 

How To Get Gum Out of Braces

However careful we are with our food options, sometimes, accidents occur. For example, you might have given in to the temptation of trying a new chewing gum flavor, and suddenly, it gets stuck in your brackets. No need to panic, though; as long as you focus on damage control, you’ll get the gum out of your braces in no time!

  1. Gently brush your teeth to remove the stuck gum parts from your braces. Don’t be too harsh on your teeth, as the added pressure can make the chewing gum even more entangled.
  2. Use a special floss threader, a floss pick, or a water flosser to push out any bit of chewing gum stuck between the braces and your teeth.
  3. Repeat the process until your braces are free of chewing gum.

Patient undergoin dental checkup

Start Your Orthodontic Journey at Patuxent Orthodontics!

Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if braces are the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of braces or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!

 

References

  1. Edwards, Gareth. “The Ultimate Guide – How to Clean Braces Properly.” Smile Stories, 25 July 2022, smilestories.co/how-to-clean-braces-properly/. Accessed 3 Feb. 2023.
  2. “Interproximal Brush .” Welcome to the Dental Associates Website., www.dentalassociates.com/dental-topics/interproximal-brush. Accessed 3 Feb. 2023.
  3. Association, Pennsylvania Dental. PDA Presents the Facts on Braces, www.padental.org/Online/Resources___Programs/News_Releases/Past_News_Releases/Facts_on_Braces.aspx. Accessed 3 Feb. 2023.
  4. “8 Braces Cleaning Tips for Healthy Teeth & Bright Smile.” Thurman Orthodontics, 12 Jan. 2023, www.thurmanortho.com/teeth-cleaning-with-braces/.

Send Us a Message

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Posts

Can I Get Braces a Second Time?

Can I Get Braces a Second Time?

Braces again? No, you’re not having a weird déjà vu moment! Believe it or not, getting braces for a second time is more common than you think. Whether you’re eyeing the traditional ‘metal train tracks’ or leaning towards the subtlety of invisible braces, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. So sit tight as we explore the ins and outs of embarking on a second journey to achieving that picture-perfect smile!

The Role of Dental Space Maintainers in Early Orthodontics!

The Role of Dental Space Maintainers in Early Orthodontics!

Your child loses their first baby tooth, and you’re both eagerly waiting for the adult one to make its grand entrance. But what if it’s taking its sweet time? Space maintainers are here to save the day! These orthodontic devices swoop in, holding the fort in early orthodontics until the adult tooth is ready to take center stage. Let’s dive into the world of space maintainers and see how they’re game-changers in keeping your children’s smiles on track!

What is the Role of Orthodontic Records?

What is the Role of Orthodontic Records?

Our Patuxent Orthodontics team takes great pride in keeping detailed orthodontic records for our patients. This wealth of knowledge allows us to keep constant tabs on the health of your entire oral cavity! Let’s discover more about the various types of orthodontic records and how they benefit your oral health!

Can I Wear a Retainer With a Fake Tooth?

Can I Wear a Retainer With a Fake Tooth?

A retainer can serve a dual purpose: maintaining the alignment of your teeth while temporarily filling in for the missing one! Orthodontists are not only well-versed in working around this issue, but also proficient in crafting solutions tailored to your unique needs. So, embrace the journey towards a more confident smile, missing teeth and all!

6 Ways to Make Your Teeth Stronger!

6 Ways to Make Your Teeth Stronger!

Weaker teeth aren’t just about a less-than-perfect smile. They can put your whole health on the line, causing discomfort, making eating tricky, and even leading to serious infections! Fortunately, you’ve got the power to turn things around! So, stick with us as we dive into these six magical habits that can bring your teeth back to their shiny, strong glory!

Contact Us

Our goal is to provide the best orthodontics services in St. Mary’s County.