Having crooked or misaligned teeth is one of the reasons why people need to wear braces to get their teeth straightened. But it is important to have clean teeth, while wearing braces might be a big challenge for you. You need to select the right kind of toothbrush and brush properly around and between the braces so that your teeth and braces are clean.
Best Ways To Clean Your Teeth When Wearing Braces
Use a special toothbrush for Braces
The braces must be placed on your teeth, so you must use the right brush. Make sure you use a soft bristles brush, and your mouth should adjust the shape and size. This will allow your toothbrush to reach all areas of your mouth. You are advised to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, and when the bristles get frayed,
Prepare your toothbrush properly
You must use and run your toothbrush under the pea-sized quantity of toothpaste and water on it. This ensures the most effective way to clean teeth, braces, and oral cavities. Fluoride toothpaste can strengthen teeth and eliminate plaque that might accumulate around the braces due to improper cleaning. The braces can make teeth sensitive, so you may use Fluoride toothpaste to lessen the sensitivity problem.
Maintain brushing in four different sections
You need to divide your mouth into four sections: top, left, right, and bottom for brushing thoroughly. Setting up particular sections will ensure that each surface has been cleaned well. You can brush in any section you feel comfortable with. Don’t forget to brush your tongue properly and your mouth roughly, too. Hold your brush at an angle of 45 degrees with gentle pressure and see the brush remains in proper contact with your teeth’ surface and gum line. Make sure you brush from the outer to the inner surface of the tooth with smaller strokes, and try to repeat the procedure for each part of your mouth.
Rinse mouth with an antiseptic
It would be best to rinse the mouth properly with mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Using mouthwash can lessen plaque, which might be a problem for people with braces. It can also help eliminate bacteria or food particles in the mouth. Buy a mouthwash that has chlorhexidine, as suggested by oral care experts. Mouthwashes that have alcohol in them may make your mouth dry and can lead to bad breath.
Use a pain reliever
If you are experiencing tenderness or have had your braces adjusted recently, this should not stop you from brushing properly. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort. It is advised to see your orthodontist for at least 5 minutes to make small adjustments and avoid suffering from extreme pressure, which can have negative effects in the long term.
Brush your teeth and floss daily
You should practice brushing your teeth at least two to three times daily and after every heavy meal, if possible. Also, it would be best if you flossed daily to eliminate small food particles stuck within your teeth. This can help to lessen plaque and eliminate the formation of bacteria and debris inside your mouth.
Take a well-balanced diet
It is essential to know what you are eating to improve your oral and overall health condition. You need to include foods in your diet with a low amount of sugar to lessen plaque formation or get rid of stains on the braces. Try to eat vegetables, fruits, proteins, and legumes. When you eat sugary foods such as sweets, soft drinks, or candies, brush properly after having them. Some sugary foods and drinks to avoid are sweets, candies, wine, and soft drinks.
Avoid foods that can cause damage to your braces
Certain food items and colored drinks may stick easily to braces or cause damage. To prevent further problems with your teeth and braces, it is suggested that you stay away from them. It would be best not to eat whole apples, chewing gum, popcorn, and corn on the cob.
Do not grind your teeth
If you have the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, this might damage your teeth or braces. You need to ask a dentist whether or not you should wear a mouthguard. Teeth grinding may lead to sensitivity and cause damage, such as small cracks or chips in the teeth. Do not open bottles, bite nails, or hold things with your mouth.
Visit a dentist regularly for your checkups
To maintain improved oral health and hygiene, it is necessary to see a dentist in St Albans for routine checkups and mouth cleanings. You also need to go to an orthodontist to correct your teeth problems. Ensure you work with a dentist and an orthodontist to solve all your dental complications promptly.
