Oral dental care of braces
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces to ensure effective treatment and prevent dental issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your braces:
Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile. But along with the benefits of straighter teeth comes a new responsibility—maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Whether you’re a teen, parent, or adult starting your orthodontic journey, understanding how to take care of your teeth and braces is crucial.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters More with Braces
Braces create small spaces where food particles and plaque can easily get trapped. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Staining around the brackets
- Bad breath
- Prolonged treatment time
Good oral care keeps your treatment on track and ensures you unveil a bright, healthy smile when the braces come off.
Brushing with Braces: The Right Way
Brushing your teeth with braces isn’t difficult—it just requires a little more time and the right technique.
How to Brush Properly:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to clean above and below the brackets.
- Clean all surfaces: outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
- Brush after every meal if possible, or at least twice a day.
- Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue!
Helpful Tools:
- Orthodontic toothbrush: Designed specifically for cleaning around braces.
- Interdental brushes: Small brushes that reach between brackets and under wires.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
Flossing with Braces: Yes, You Still Need to!
Flossing is just as important as brushing—even with braces.
Flossing is just as important as brushing—even with braces.
How to Floss with Braces:
- Use waxed dental floss with a floss threader.
- Thread the floss behind the archwire, gently slide it between your teeth, and clean along the gumline.
- Consider orthodontic flossers or water flossers for easier use.
Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy)
Some foods can damage your braces or make cleaning difficult. Avoid these:
Avoid:
- Sticky foods (gum, caramel, toffee)
- Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, ice)
- Crunchy snacks (chips, pretzels)
- Chewy bread (bagels, pizza crust)
- Biting into hard fruits (like apples)—slice them instead
Enjoy:
- Soft fruits (bananas, berries)
- Cooked vegetables
- Yogurt, smoothies
- Soft rice, pasta, scrambled eggs
