More and more people these days are getting braces to improve their smile and their confidence.
However, a bright, healthy smile can’t be achieved by braces alone. In order to achieve a glowing smile, you must maintain proper dental health as well. Obviously, this is a little more difficult and takes a little more effort when you have metal all over your teeth and mouth.
So how do you do it?
Read this article to learn 5 ways to maintain dental health when wearing braces.
1. Brush More
While the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice per day, you’ll need to increase this amount when wearing braces.
While wearing braces, you should brush your teeth after every single time you eat. And yes, that includes the times you grab a quick snack from the vending machine.
Particles can easily get trapped in your braces. And the longer they stay in there, the greater risk you have of developing dental issues in the future.
Before brushing, rinse your mouth with water to loosen any food particles. Then, holding your brush at a 45-degree angle, brush your gum line first. Next, move at a downward angle to clean the tops of the brackets and an upwards angle to clean the bottom of the brackets.
2. Electric Toothbrush
In order to really step up your brushing game, you should invest in an electric toothbrush.
Electric toothbrushes do a much better job of getting food stuck in those hard to reach places. In fact, one study found that electric toothbrushes remove 11 percent more plaque than manual toothbrushes.
3. Floss
Just like brushing, flossing should already be a part of your daily routine.
However, when you floss with braces, you need to make sure you aren’t only flossing under the braces but also under the the wires.
Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers can be purchased at drug stores and they make this process a lot easier.
4. Fluoride Toothpaste and Products
When you have braces, you don’t just want to reach for any old toothpaste to clean your teeth.
Wearing braces can accelerate the process of tooth decay. Because of this, you should be using dental hygiene products that contain fluoride.
Investing in toothpaste with fluoride is definitely the first step. Then, if you want even more protection, you should look into purchasing a mouthwash with fluoride as well.
5. Watch Your Diet
While wearing braces, you need to be much more careful about what you eat.
Sugary and starchy foods can cause plaque build up around your braces. This can lead to tooth discoloration, cavities and gum disease.
Hard foods, even if they are healthy, should also be avoided, as they can break wires and losses brackets.
