One of the main reasons you are wearing braces is to have a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, you can spoil that aim if you do not properly care for your teeth during your braces treatment. However, it is possible to care properly for your teeth because there are special tips and tools that make the job easier. Here are some tips on how to maintain your teeth during a braces treatment.
Brushing and flossing properly are the two most important things you can do. Before you brush, rinse your mouth with water to remove any food debris that may have gotten stuck to your brackets or wires. With your American Dental Association-accepted fluoride toothpaste, start brushing from the gum line at a 45-degree angle. When you have finished brushing the gum line, you may start brushing on the top of the brackets. Angle the brush down on the top of each bracket, then angle up from the bottom of each bracket. This should not be hurried because you want to make sure you have brushed each tooth.
You have brushed your teeth three times, including the gum, the top of the brackets and under the brackets. Younger people may need help at first because this type of brushing can be tricky, but once they learn, it is not difficult.
Flossing is essential for keeping the gums healthy and for removing as much acid and debris as possible from your mouth. A floss threader will help you push the floss between each tooth. There are special tools such as soft picks that make it easier to brush and floss in tight spaces. This process will take more time than brushing, but it will be worth it. If acid remains on the brackets, it can cause a permanent white spot on the tooth. If food debris is left between the teeth, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. When your cleaning regimen is finished, rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. This will help neutralize acid to prevent cavities and gum disease.
When you consult with our expert, you can ask questions about cleaning your teeth with your braces treatment and get more tips. Even if you are able to clean properly every day, professional cleaning may be needed twice a year. Plaque is a sticky substance that grows on your teeth every day. You remove most of it when you brush, but not all. When plaque is not removed it turns to tartar, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
You can help make cleaning easier by eating a tooth-friendly diet. This includes low acidity foods such as milk, bananas, eggs and seafood. We also recommend that you avoid foods that have high sugar content. Sugar turns to acid on your teeth and is a major cause of tooth decay.
As anyone who wears braces knows, braces are a major event in life and will change your appearance permanently for the better. To make the change quick and effective, it is essential to maintain your teeth during a braces treatment. At the offices of Brodie Bowman, DMD, our orthodontist provides many different forms of braces, each personalized for the patient. Contact us at either of our offices in Niceville or Fort Walton Beach to schedule your appointment and learn more about caring for your teeth during your braces treatment.