Ah, braces. There are so many great things about these teeth-shifting appliances, but there are some bummer things, too. Learning how to keep your teeth clean with braces on certainly has a learning curve, but it’s nothing that you–and so many others!–can’t handle.
At Griffin & Errera Orthodontics, we have some top tips that we share to help our patients to help them keep their teeth in tip-top shape throughout their orthodontic treatment with braces!
Trust the Process
The first thing you should know when you’re learning how to care for your teeth with braces is that it takes time. Patience is definitely a virtue, and you need to be prepared for it to take a bit longer at first. You’ll speed up over time, and it will become second nature before you know it.
Tips for Brushing
Dr. Griffin and Dr. Errera recommend brushing at least twice every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, after waking up, and before bed. It might be a good idea to add in more brushes after meals when you can, to help prevent food particles from getting stuck and creating more plaque build-up or issues with your brackets.
It’s also important to brush above and below the brackets, working to get all the nooks and crannies in between. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to optimally scrub the tops and bottom of the bracket. And don’t forget to scrub your tongue! When you have braces it’s more important than ever to rid your mouth of all the bacteria and germs that can cause cavities or tooth decay.
Tips for Flossing
Flossing is where things can get tricky, but stick with us! Using the tools that Dr. Griffin or Dr. Errera have given you will be essential to keeping your teeth clean and cavity-free!
Grab the floss threader that you’ll receive in your braces kit. Thread the dental floss through the eye of the floss threader. Then slide the threader under the wire where you are aiming to floss. Remove the threader and set it aside while you floss that tooth, being extra thorough to floss each side of your tooth like you normally would. Then grab the floss threader and repeat on all your teeth!
Despite the extra steps, you’ll be glad you stuck with it when you see your glowing smile at the end of treatment.
Pro tip–if the floss threader proves a challenge, then a WaterPik might be a great option! This hand-held machine shoots a fine stream of pressurized water between your teeth to push food particles out of hard-to-reach places, similar to floss, and without the extra effort. Though you will have to pay for it, it’s a worthy investment that you can continue to use after your braces are removed!
Keep Your Smile in Tip Top Shape!
Keep Your Smile in Tip Top Shape!Now that you’re prepared for the efforts of oral hygiene with braces, you’ll also be able to reap the rewards of a beautiful and healthy smile! The team at Griffin & Errera Orthodontics is ready to support you on your journey. Set up a free consultation at one of our offices in Middleburg, Warrenton, or Culpeper to discover your next steps for a smile you will love.