Proper oral hygiene should always be a top priority. When you’re wearing braces, that takes on a whole new meaning. You’re looking forward to having a straight smile once the braces come off. However, if you don’t take extra precautions during the process, you may end up with unsightly stains, white spots, or tooth decay when it’s all said and done.
Let’s take a look at these oral hygiene tips to follow while wearing braces to ensure you enjoy that smile in the end.
1. The Key Is Regular Brushing
The idea of routine brushing is not new. However, you need to step up your routine when wearing braces.
Food likes to conceal itself in all the crevices of braces. Additionally, improper brushing leaves teeth vulnerable to gum disease, tooth decay, and the development of white spots. When the braces come off, you don’t want to deal with anything.
2. Use a Different Type of Brush
Adding an interdental brush to your routine will help you be even more diligent. It is a small brush that is typically used to clean between the teeth. It’s also great for brushing around brace wires and metal brackets.
Before brushing regularly, use an interdental brush to clean and loosen debris. The small bristles can reach around wires and Invisalign Ottawa, getting into places that a regular toothbrush cannot.
3. Remember to Floss
Without a question, wearing braces can make flossing a little more challenging. Many people use this just to avoid doing it at all. However, flossing is crucial to get rid of plaque buildup that a toothbrush can’t possibly reach.
Use an orthodontic flosser or floss threader to make this task more feasible. The majority of drug stores carry them. It will also be a little simpler if you use wax floss. It is simpler to slide between your teeth, which reduces the likelihood that they may become caught in your braces.
4. Finally, rinse your mouth
When it comes to braces care, rinsing can become your new best friend. This is because it facilitates the cleaning process. It can also protect your enamel and fight gingivitis. Before brushing, give your mouth a quick rinse with water to loosen any food trapped in your braces.
5. Observe Your Diet
Avoid foods that can harm your gums and tooth enamel because cleaning your teeth while wearing braces can be more difficult. The plaque will accumulate around your metal brackets as a result of eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. Cavities, tooth stains, and even gum disease may result from this.
High-acid foods should be avoided as well. Soft drinks, pineapples, and tomatoes, for example, contain acids that can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Once the enamel is lost, it cannot be recovered.
6. Stop Chewing and Keep Your Braces Safe
Unconscious habits that can damage braces are something that many people do not consider.
Those who like to bite their nails or chew on the lid of a pen can unintentionally pop brackets off or bend wires. If you fall into this category, try to find other activities to keep your hands busy, such as fidget spinners.
7. Keep All Appointments With The Dentist And Orthodontist.
Your teeth will be well taken care of if you schedule routine visits with your dentist and orthodontist.
They will be able to provide expert cleanings and look for any early indicators that you may have a dental issue. An expert can also provide you with tips on how to address the problem before it worsens.
It’s Worth It to Take Extra Care While Wearing Braces
There’s no denying that maintaining proper oral hygiene while wearing braces requires extra time and effort. However, having that perfect smile to enjoy once the braces are removed will make it all worthwhile in the end.
