A sparkling smile is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to oral wellness. A beautiful bite can help people look great, feel amazing, and avoid future jaw problems. Because of this, about 45% of North American children need braces.
If your little one is among them- or if you're rocking braces yourself- it's important that you know how to maintain oral hygiene with braces. Read on for 5 tips that will keep your smile healthy.
1. Brush the Right Way
Instead of brushing the standard twice a day, try to brush after every meal. This is important because food can easily settle between braces wire and teeth. This can cause white spots, tooth decay, and gum disease when the braces come off.
Trade your regular toothbrush in for an electric one that scrubs your entire mouth vigorously. Add an interdental toothbrush to your routine as well. These small brushes go between the brackets of braces and loosen food particles and plaque between teeth.
2. Know How to Floss With Braces
Braces can make flossing harder and deter both children and adults from doing it, but it's more important than ever. Your toothbrush won't be able to reach parts of your teeth at all between wire and brackets.
You can purchase floss threaders to make this easier. You wrap the floss into the threader and put it through the brackets. The small tip will fit easily and you can floss the inside of that bracket, pull it out quickly, and move on to the next one.
Wax-coated floss can make this even simpler.
3. Rinse When You're Done
Rinsing after brushing/flossing can make your teeth sparkle before the next checkup. Swish the water around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting.
Take your rinse game to the next level with a water pik that shoots water from a tiny plastic head. It's a very direct and small stream that perfectly hits between braces brackets.
When all that's over, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash that reduces inflammation. Your breath will smell great after that, too, so it's a win-win.
4. Select Braces-Friendly Foods
Make sure that you also eat foods that won't cause tooth decay. This means foods with a lot of sugar (candy and chocolate) and those with tons of starch (white rice and corn). Sugary drinks like soda also are to be avoided.
You also shouldn't eat hard foods like chips, popcorn, and nuts. They can break your braces or get stuck between wires. Apples also are a bad idea because of their crunchy, hard texture.
5. See Professionals Regularly
When you have braces, it's important to see an orthodontist every few months. They'll make sure that the device is working properly and adjust it as needed. You'll need it tightened sometimes, too.
Dental visits are also important. You should see someone every six months for a thorough cleaning with top-notch dental appliances and equipment. This will keep your teeth healthy and prevent future issues like gingivitis or cavities.
Maintain Oral Hygiene with Braces
Now that you know how to have good oral hygiene with braces, it's time to see a professional for a routine teeth cleaning. Our team is committed to providing people of all ages with top-notch dental services in SE Calgary, Alberta. Contact Forest Lawn Dental Care to schedule an appointment.