Protect Your Investment in Your Teeth by Putting Effort into Brushing with Braces
It takes a bit more effort to do a proper job of cleaning your teeth once we put orthodontics on them, but it’s well worth it. Consider all the time, expense and work that goes into creating a beautiful smile with straight teeth. You wouldn’t want to work against that effort by not doing an adequate job when you’re brushing with braces because, while braces won’t damage your teeth, failure to keep your teeth clean while you wear them can.
Because so much is at stake when bacteria take a strong hold in your mouth, we strongly recommend brushing after every time you eat, or, at the very least rinsing your mouth well. The very least you should do is brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, and the recommendations for these practices remain the same:
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush or power toothbrush and brush for at least two full minutes.
• Thoroughly brush every surface you can reach with the brush.
• The brackets on your braces will be hard on your toothbrush, so be sure to replace it with a new on at least every three months, if not more frequently.
• Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
The tricky part of oral hygiene with orthodontics is that flossing can be especially challenging because the wires between teeth get in the way. This is where other cleaning aids such as floss threaders that make getting between teeth easy and other implements known as interdental cleaners can help immensely. Ask one of our dentists about these at your next visit.
The important thing is that you make a effort to get under the gum line each time you floss or use other tools to clean between your teeth.
At Downtown Dental Associates of Portland, we are serious about your smile, so don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you have about this or any other dental-related issue.