Oral Hygiene With Braces
It is very important to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly when you have braces. This will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as well as keep your smile looking its best. There are a few things you can do to make sure you are cleaning your teeth properly with braces:
- Choose the right toothbrush for braces. Look for a toothbrush that has bristles that are angled or curved, so that they can reach all around your braces and clean your teeth thoroughly.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to protect your teeth against cavities, so it is essential to use a fluoride toothpaste when brushing your braces.
- Use an interdental brush. This is a small brush that you can use to clean around your braces and in between your teeth.
- Floss daily. It is indispensable to floss every day when you have braces, in order to remove plaque and food from around your braces and in between your teeth. You can use a floss threader to help you floss around your braces.
- Rinse with mouthwash. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Is It Better to Use an Electric or Manual Toothbrush for Braces?
You can use either an electric or manual toothbrush for braces. Some people find that an electric toothbrush is easier to use, as it can do a lot of the work for you. However, it is still important to brush carefully and make sure that you are reaching all around your braces and cleaning your teeth thoroughly. If you have any doubts about using an electric toothbrush for braces, or if you’re concerned how it may affect your oral health, please contact your orthodontist.
The Best Electric Toothbrush Head for Braces
When choosing an electric toothbrush head for braces, one of the most significant things to consider is the size of the head. A head that is too small may not be able to reach all the teeth, while a head that is too large can be difficult to maneuver. Many Oral-B brush heads are designed specifically for braces, and they tend to be a good size. We’d wager that this might be the optimal choice.
The Importance of Bristles
The bristles on an electric toothbrush head for braces need to be soft in order to avoid damaging the enamel on the teeth. Hard bristles can also irritate the gums. Many orthodontic toothbrush heads have softer bristles than regular toothbrush heads, so it’s important to choose accordingly.
The Importance of the Shape of the Head
The shape of the head is also important when picking an electric toothbrush for braces. Some heads are designed to contour around the brackets and wires, while others are more flat. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the shape of the head, it is simply a matter of personal preference. Experiment with a few different types of heads until you find one that you like.
What’s the Best Toothpaste for Braces?
Other than picking the right toothbrush for braces, it is also important to choose a toothpaste that will be gentle on your teeth and gums. Any type of toothpaste can be used with braces, but there are some that are specifically designed for people who have braces.
These toothpastes often have ingredients that help to reduce plaque and gingivitis. If you are using a fluoride toothpaste, make sure to use a pea-sized amount, as too much fluoride can cause white spots on the teeth. It is also a good idea to avoid toothpastes with whitening agents, as they can often cause staining around the brackets and wires of braces.
Twice a day, use pressure sensors to guide a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your brush. Aim the bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and plaque build-up. Use gentle circular motions along the gum line and on all surfaces of your teeth. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing. Rinse your mouth and brush your tongue to remove any remaining toothpaste. Good oral hygiene is essential when you wear braces, so choose a toothpaste that will be effective in keeping your mouth healthy.
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- Damon Braces vs. Traditional Braces – Which Way to Get the Smile You Always Wanted?
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