There is a myth that it is difficult to keep your teeth clean if you opt for braces. Although it requires a few extra measures, oral hygiene should not be dramatically influenced by the fact that you have chosen to receive orthodontic treatment to correct your tooth alignment. In this article, the orthodontist from the Imperial Dent team will give you more tips, as well as vital tricks for maintaining oral health while wearing braces.
1. Brushing your teeth – when, how and how intensely to brush your teeth?
Usually a dentist in Chisinau recommends that patients brush their teeth twice a day, but if you wear braces, you should do this after every meal, even after snacks or sugary drinks. You need to gently brush each tooth on both sides. The most important toothbrushing is done before bed, so you should not miss it just because you are tired or have little time.
2. Choose your toothbrush carefully
Usually, the hardness of the toothbrush does not matter much, because when the teeth and gums are healthy, the choice is a matter of preference, but in the case of an orthodontic treatment things are different. Usually an orthodontic toothbrush is recommended and it is recommended to have soft brushes, in the worst case medium softness, and for hard to reach areas you can use an interdental toothbrush. You can also use electric toothbrushes, it is important to choose a head that is specially designed for the dental appliance, so as to avoid a potential excessive pressure and thus avoid damage to the braces.
3. Is there a special toothpaste for braces?
It is a good idea to use fluoride-containing toothpaste in your daily oral hygiene, largely because it helps protect your teeth from cavities without having a way too harsh effect on them. The use of abrasive toothpastes is not recommended by dentists, due to the fact that it damages both the tooth enamel and the integrity of the braces.
4. Dental floss – can it be used if you wear braces?
If you are wearing braces, it is advisable to use a waxed thread with a handle attached. This helps to eliminate food debris that accumulates in hard-to-reach areas of the teeth, especially in areas where the brush doesn’t really reach.
5. Use a dental water jet oral irrigation system
Don’t rely on brushing every time, especially when wearing braces. Although anyone can use the oral irrigator, it is especially recommended as an additional cleaning method for patients who have been advised to take great care of oral hygiene.
For efficient and safe cleaning, you need to follow a few basic rules:
- Use a mouthwash after basic brushing.
- The sprinkler head must be positioned so that the liquid can flow freely into the mouth.