Maintaining a clean, healthy mouth is more important than ever now that you have braces. Food particles and plaque love to hide around brackets and wires, which can lead to cavities or gum issues if not cleared away. At Explore Orthodontics in Santa Maria, we want your smile to be stunning the moment your braces come off!
While your oral hygiene routine might take a few extra minutes each day, the result—a healthy, beautiful smile—is worth every second. Here is your guide to mastering brushing and flossing with braces.
The Importance of a Clean Routine
When you have braces, your teeth require extra attention. Plaque that is left on teeth can cause decalcification (white spots), cavities, and swollen gums. By sticking to a strict hygiene schedule, you ensure that your treatment stays on track and your teeth remain strong.
We recommend brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day, preferably before bedtime so you go to sleep with a clean mouth.
How to Brush Effectively with Braces
Brushing with braces requires a bit of technique to ensure you reach every nook and cranny.
- Choose the Right Tools: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel.
- Angle is Everything: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Gently brush in small circles, cleaning the area where the gums meet the teeth.
- Clean the Brackets: Brush the top of the brackets by angling the brush down, and brush the bottom of the brackets by angling the brush up. This helps remove food trapped under the wire.
- Don’t Rush: Spend at least two full minutes brushing. Be thorough, covering the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Mastering Flossing with Braces
Flossing is the superhero of oral hygiene, reaching places your toothbrush can’t. It might feel tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Using a Floss Threader
A floss threader is a simple tool that acts like a needle to help you guide the floss under your archwire.
- Pull a piece of floss through the threader.
- Guide the threader under the wire between two teeth.
- Pull the floss through and floss up and down the sides of both teeth, going gently under the gum line.
- Repeat this for every tooth.
Water Flossers
Many of our Santa Maria patients love using a water flosser! It uses a stream of pressurised water to blast away plaque and food debris from between teeth and around brackets. While it doesn’t replace traditional flossing entirely, it is a fantastic addition to your routine.
Essential Tools for Your Kit
To make life easier, we recommend keeping a small “braces kit” with you at school or work. Useful items include:
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Interproximal brush (looks like a tiny pine tree) for cleaning under wires
- Orthodontic wax for comfort
- Floss picks designed for braces
We Are Here to Help You Shine
If you are struggling with your routine or notice swollen gums despite your best efforts, please let us know. Our team is happy to demonstrate techniques or recommend specific products to help you succeed.
Your oral health is our top priority. If you have any questions about oral hygiene with braces in Santa Maria, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help you keep your smile healthy every step of the way!