In the quest for a radiant, robust, and perfectly aligned smile, many embark on the journey of orthodontic treatment by embracing the challenge of braces. However, a formidable task that comes with this pursuit is keeping teeth pristine and healthy while adorned with wires, brackets, and other assorted components. How, precisely, does one navigate this dental nuance? Mastering the art of brushing with braces, while it may require some finesse, is undoubtedly a quest worth undertaking.
A Primer on Brushing with Braces: The Plaque Dilemma
When it comes to keeping the teeth clean, the presence of plaque, a persistent biofilm that naturally forms on our teeth, poses a constant challenge. While an exhaustive brushing regimen can eliminate plaque, any remnants transform into dental calculus or tartar, a stubborn yellow substance notorious for staining teeth and requiring the intervention of a dental professional for removal.
The ordeal intensifies for those wearing orthodontic fittings like braces, as these intricate contraptions offer many crevices for plaque to hide. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that you should give up. If you’ve had braces fitted, you must exercise extra vigilance to ensure your dental hygiene stays impeccable morning through night. Here’s how:
- Incorporate Routine
With braces in place, the propensity to overlook growing dental buildup increases. To prevent food particles and plaque from lingering and causing havoc, make post-meal tooth brushing a steadfast ritual. In fact, if you cherish your pearly whites, you should also brush after snacking when possible.
- Assemble Your Arsenal
Embarking on any task is made more manageable when equipped with the requisite tools. Before commencing your oral crusade, ensure that the following items are readily at hand:
- Interdental brushes
- Nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste
- An electric or manual toothbrush
- Floss and floss threader
- Non-alcoholic mouthwash
- Start by Gargling
Once your tools are prepared, grab your cup, fill it with water, and gargle your mouth before initiating your brushing routine. This preliminary rinse dislodges food particles and debris, making their subsequent removal more manageable. Additionally, temporarily remove any bands, elastics, or detachable orthodontic components and set them aside securely.
- Master the Angles
After wetting your toothbrush and putting on a modest dollop of toothpaste, it’s time to begin brushing. Begin by holding your toothbrush at an angle of 45-degrees and delicately brush along the gum line. While doing this, be sure to switch the angle to access the tops of your brackets. Afterwards, adjust the toothbrush to an upward angle and brush beneath the wires and brackets. Ensure each tooth receives its due attention, subsequently addressing the inner chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Take your Time
With braces in place, it is important to invest time in meticulously brushing all necessary surfaces of your braces and teeth. Although many experts advocate for at least two minutes of dedicated tooth brushing, during the initial phases of brushing with braces, additional time may be warranted. If the brackets present obstacles to reaching certain tooth surfaces, consider employing a proxabrush after your standard brushing routine. Its tiny dimensions and flexibility facilitate effective cleaning under and around braces.
- Flossing Matters
Flossing while braces are affixed to your teeth can seem a daunting effort, yet it remains a critical element of a comprehensive dental hygiene regimen. If you use a traditional string floss, attach a floss threader to move the floss around your braces while exerting gentle care as you manoeuvre the floss around your teeth. Then again, a water flosser is a viable option for tackling the narrow interstitial spaces between your teeth.
- Rinse Again
Subsequent to flossing and brushing, conclude your oral care routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash rinse. This step is instrumental in eradicating germs, eliminating any lingering food remnants, and refreshing your breath.
- Scrutinise Your Work
Before finishing your tooth brushing regimen, allocate a few moments to appraise your handiwork in your bathroom mirror. This critical step is essential for self-assessment, and it affords you the opportunity to refine your routine as needed. Once content with your endeavours, reattach any removable orthodontic fittings, returning all implements to their designated locations.
Toothbrushing: An Investment in Dental Health
Mastering the art of brushing with braces is an indispensable skill in the quest to stave off the perils of tartar buildup, discolouration, and cavities. If you’re grappling with queries or wrestling with the intricacies of reaching specific dental areas, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for guidance during your next visit. If you’re looking to see a dentist in Brighton, The Dental Practice UK is the foremost dentist Brighton residents rely on for state-of-the-art oral care, from regular check-ups to dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
