It is no surprise that braces require more maintenance. Dr.Updike, an Irvine orthodontist, discusses how to keep maintain your braces and keep them clean, along with some tips and tricks.
- Cleaning Your Braces
We recommend brushing your teeth more often when you wear braces. This is because braces tend to trap food, and if left for long can begin to build plaque in between the teeth and around the brackets. There are many helpful dental tools and brushes made specifically for braces that also help clean the brackets as well. These could be found in the dental section of your local grocery store. Another tip is to use a softer toothbrush head. This will cause less irritation to your gums while still cleaning your teeth and braces.
- Flossing
No matter if a patient has braces or not, flossing is always recommended daily. However, it is even more important during orthodontic treatment. As mentioned above, foods and plaque could easily be trapped in-between brackets which could lead to some dental problems in the future if not properly taken care of. Nowadays there are floss designed specifically for braces, which makes it easier to feed the floss in-between brackets. A Water Pik is also a great alternative as well. Because it is pressurized, it removes plaque and food even in the toughest spots that floss cannot effectively remove.
- Create a Dental Kit
Nothing is more frustrating when you are out and about finishing a meal and there is food stuck in your braces. We recommend creating a small emergency kit for your braces to carry with you or leave in the car at all times. Items like floss, an inter-proximal brush, and wax come in very handy in emergency situations.
- Schedule Regular Dentist Appointments
It is recommended that you see a dentist at least once or twice a year for checkups and cleaning. These appointments are great for a deep clean during your braces treatment, and also check for any cavities that may have formed during treatment. Should your dentist notice anything that needs attention such as a cavity filling, they will be in touch with your orthodontist as well if it requires removing a few brackets to treat.
If you have any additional questions on how to keep your braces clean during treatment or if you are interested in a free consultation for treatment, give us a call at (949) 870-9713 and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!