Oral Hygiene with Braces
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Wearing braces is one thing, taking care of them is another. Oral hygiene with braces is incredibly important. You want to do your best every day to make sure that the hardware or aligners in your mouth stay clean, but also your teeth themselves. Dr. Rosemary Lelich and her team at Family Orthodontics in St. Louis Park, MN, are ready to help you master the basics, develop a routine, and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
Master the Techniques of Oral Hygiene with Braces
You might feel like you’ll be cleaning your teeth all the time when you have conventional metal braces or ceramic braces. While you might be tending to your teeth more than someone without braces, the demands are not that extreme and you’ll quickly develop an easy-to-manage oral hygiene routine:
- Brush morning, night, and after you eat: Keep a soft, round-bristle toothbrush at home and in your bag so you always have it at the ready after meals or snacks.
- Floss at least once a day: Flossing is not off-limits just because you have brackets and wires on your teeth now. It’s still the only way to clean between your teeth and along the gum line. A water flosser or interdental brush gets this meticulous work done.
- Use an antimicrobial rinse: Mouthwash supports a fresh, healthy mouth and is easy for someone who has hardware on their teeth.
Do your best to brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle with the bristles pointing toward the gumline. Then brush above and below your brackets. You’ll really have to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you hit each tooth and area every time you brush.
Oral Hygiene When You Wear Invisalign
Invisalign patients have it a little easier than other orthodontic patients. There is no need to pick in and around hardware to dislodge food particles. You remove trays to brush and floss teeth and gums every day. That’s easy and convenient. The only thing you need to add to a daily routine is the cleaning of trays and a few additional teeth brushings.
- Gently clean your trays per your orthodontist’s instructions – usually a combination of brushing and rinsing, nothing complicated – to remove accumulated bacteria or food particles.
- Do not put Invisalign back on your teeth until both are clean.
- If you have attachments, little tooth-colored “bumps” on your teeth, they can collect debris and become discolored without proper care. Spend a little extra time on all attachments to keep them clean and clear.
- Always remove aligners before you eat or drink. This ensures that Invisalign does not break, stain, or develop odors and keeps your teeth clean too.
Get Dental Support to Maintain Oral Hygiene with Braces
Your oral health is not on hold while you’re wearing braces. In fact, it’s more important than ever. Continue to see your dentist for cleanings every six months. Your orthodontist may even recommend a few additional cleanings while you’re in braces to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy – it’s not always easy to get in and around those brackets and wires for proper cleaning, but a dental hygienist can make it work.
Visit a St. Louis Park Orthodontist Near Me
Dr. Lelich and her team are well-versed in all the tricks of the trade when it comes to oral hygiene with braces. They will recommend many products for brushing, flossing, and on-the-go cleanings. You’re in the best hands with these experts as they guide you to a beautiful, straight smile that not only looks good but is as healthy as can be.
