Making the adjustment to having a mouthful of braces can be overwhelming. To add to that, keeping your teeth clean with braces can be a challenge. We want to help you. Keeping your teeth clean during this important time in your life will benefit you in the future.
How to Brush With Braces
Just like before you had braces, it is still crucial to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. It is a good idea to brush your teeth after every meal. Looking in the mirror or feeling with your tongue, you may not be able to detect food hiding under your brackets and wires. At the very least, you should rinse your mouth out with water to remove food after you eat if you are away from home and cannot brush. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with rounded bristles or an electric toothbrush. Gently brush your teeth as to not damage the brackets or wires as you brush your braces. Brushing around all sides of your teeth and the brackets affixed to the teeth is important. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Brush the top of the bracket and the bottom of the bracket. Using a gentle circular motion with your toothbrush you can remove food and plaque on all sides of the bracket. Remember to brush the inner bite surface of your teeth as well. Brushing teeth with braces may wear down your toothbrush faster than usual. Aim to replace your toothbrush every three months. Follow this advice, and you will have clean teeth when you have braces and hopefully years to come.
We Can Help Teach You How to Keep Your Braces Clean
We want to make sure you know how to brush your teeth with braces. Stop in for an appointment if you have any questions or concerns about how to keep your braces clean.
