Tooth Brushing and Dental Care When Wearing Braces

By : Affordable Dentist | August 01, 2016

You can develop misaligned and crooked teeth at any age and the best way to avoid discomfort is to get braces. They are attached to your teeth with room for adjustments such that your teeth can shift and align properly on the arch.

The braces are connected to each other with arch-wires and these are the main reason why dental hygiene is important when wearing braces. Food particles tend to get stuck under the wire and can be difficult to clean out without proper tooth brushing and dental care.

Maintaining hygiene with braces

It is important to maintain oral hygiene, especially when wearing braces. This is because contaminants can get stuck under the arch-wires that connect braces across the teeth arch. If these particles are left unattended, it results in plaque and tartar deposits and can displace the teeth movement under the braces.

Cleanliness and proper oral care is even more important when it comes to children’s teeth. Pediatric treatments are always sensitive and are usually moderated to ensure problems don’t occur on account of the treatment itself. This makes proper oral hygiene even more important when the braces are on and parents are advised to supervise in this matter.

Steps to improve dental hygiene

There are several progressive steps that can help you improve your overall dental hygiene routine. This is especially important when you are under treatment with braces. While each improvement differs from person to person and changes according to their habits and daily routine, the following list chronicles a set of generalized steps you can adopt to work on maintaining your oral hygiene.

The right toothbrush is necessary so that it does not affect the braces too much or the treatment can go awry.

Choose soft bristles for your toothbrush as they will affect your sensitive teeth less and also avoid disorienting the braces too much.

Food particles that get stuck under the arch-wires can be difficult to clean out. Rounded, nylon bristles are better for this purpose as they won’t aggravate your sensitive gums or decay the enamel too much.

It is recommended to brush at an angle (tentatively 45 degrees) to properly reach all the surfaces and even under the wires. Always brush gently as being aggressive can dislodge the braces.

For children, a brush with a wide handle offers more stability. It reduces the chances of the bristles slipping and damaging the braces or the archwires. As parents, you should supervise in this matter and ensure that your child develops good dental care habits to avoid problems in the future.

Flossing with soft threads will make it easier to do it with braces on. You can also reduce the chances of cavities with fluoride mouth rinses as advised by your dentist.

Dental care in pediatric dentistry

Children’s teeth are sensitive and require a gentle touch when cleaning. Parents are advised to ensure that dental hygiene is effectively maintained and that your child develops sound dental care habits about brushing, flossing, and basic cleanliness using prescribed products to avoid complications.

It is recommended to consult with your dental care professional at least twice a year to ensure that the braces treatment is working as expected.

Importance of Oral Hygiene with Braces

Maintaining oral hygiene when wearing braces is critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment and avoiding complications. Braces create additional nooks and crannies where food particles can get trapped, increasing the risk of plaque build-up. If proper cleaning practices are not maintained, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and may even affect the alignment of the teeth during the orthodontic process.

Moreover, the presence of braces makes traditional brushing and flossing more challenging, necessitating a more diligent approach to dental care. Regular brushing, at least twice a day, and the use of specialized tools, such as orthodontic toothbrushes and floss threaders, can help mitigate these challenges. It’s essential to keep in mind that ignoring oral hygiene can prolong treatment times and negatively impact the health of the gums and teeth.

Brushing Techniques for Braces

Effective brushing with braces involves using specific techniques to ensure every area is thoroughly cleaned. It is recommended to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in small circular motions, paying close attention to the areas around the brackets and wires. This method helps in dislodging food particles and prevents plaque formation, making it crucial for individuals wearing braces.

Additionally, using a soft-bristled toothbrush can minimize discomfort while effectively cleaning sensitive gum areas. The importance of spending adequate time brushing cannot be overstated; it is advisable to brush for at least two minutes to cover all surfaces properly. Lastly, using fluoride toothpaste can also contribute to strengthening the enamel, which is particularly beneficial when wearing braces.

Flossing Tips for Braces

Flossing with braces can be more complex than traditional flossing, but it is indispensable for maintaining good oral health. Using specially designed orthodontic flossers or threaders allows for easier maneuvering around brackets and wires. This approach helps ensure that plaque and food particles are removed from between the teeth—a critical area often neglected when wearing braces.

Incorporating flossing into your daily dental routine should not be overlooked, as it complements brushing by cleaning areas that bristles cannot reach. Parents should encourage children to establish a consistent flossing habit, as gentle yet effective flossing can help prevent gum issues that arise during orthodontic treatment. Regular flossing will make a significant difference in the overall health of the gums and teeth throughout the duration of the braces.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Kids with Braces

Selecting the appropriate toothbrush is essential for children wearing braces to ensure effective cleaning and comfort. An ideal toothbrush for kids should have a soft-bristled head to protect sensitive gums while providing adequate cleaning power. Additionally, a brush with a small head can help reach difficult spots, while a wider handle may enhance grip and stability for young users.

Parents should also consider electric toothbrushes designed for orthodontic patients as they often provide a superior cleaning experience. These toothbrushes can make brushing more engaging for children, encouraging them to maintain their dental hygiene routine. By investing time in choosing the right toothbrush, parents set their children up for successful oral care during their orthodontic journey.

Tooth Brushing and Dental Care When Wearing Braces

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Importance of Oral Hygiene with Braces

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