At Nevada Dentistry & Braces in Las Vegas, we want all of our patients to achieve a happy, cavity-free smile. You already know the importance of good oral hygiene. Orthodontics adds a layer of complexity because if plaque or tiny food particles get stuck under your brackets, you’ll increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities.
We’ve put together 4 tips to make brushing and flossing with braces easier.
- Pick A Good Toothbrush
- Use Correct Brushing Techniques
- Utilize Flossing Tools
- Finish Up With A Good Mouthwash
1. Choosing A Toothbrush To Use With Braces
Sonic and powered toothbrushes are generally easier to use and more effective. Careful brushing with a manual toothbrush can also work well for cleaning around braces.
Choose a brush with a small head and various bristle lengths to get at all the areas where plaque and food tend to build up. An easy-to-grip handle can help you control the brush better.
2. How To Brush With Braces — After EVERY Meal
Before you start, rinse and spit to help get rid of food particles; give your brush a quick rinse at this time. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and begin brushing along your gum line, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
Brush for at least two minutes, using short circular movements along the surfaces of your teeth. Make sure you brush under your brace wires (you can use a small interdental brush to accomplish this last step).
3. Flossing Tools Make Flossing Easier
It’s much harder to use regular floss with braces, so we recommend using a floss threader to help guide the floss around each wire and between your teeth. You can also use a water flosser or an air flosser instead of traditional floss.
Water flossers shoot a thin stream of water between your teeth (and brace wires) to remove plaque and food particles, while air flossers use rapid bursts of air to get the job done.
4. Choose A Mouthwash Compatible With Braces
After brushing and flossing your teeth, finish up with a fluoride-fortified mouthwash. Ask your orthodontist to recommend a braces-compatible brand. Mouthwash attacks the remaining bacteria that your toothbrush and flosser miss and can help keep your teeth extra clean and white.
Check with your pediatric dentist before allowing younger children to use mouthwash.
Additional Advice For Parents Of Young Kids
Children younger than nine or ten are often unable to brush and floss properly on their own, especially after getting braces. You might need to do the job for them.
Here are some handy bonus tips to help make parent-assisted brushing and flossing easier on your kids with braces.
- Let them choose their toothbrushes and flossing products.
- Use kid-friendly toothpaste and flavored flosses.
- Allow them to watch a show or listen to music.
- Implement a reward system.
- Take a short break if they start to gag or act anxious.
Get Affordable Braces In Las Vegas
Keeping your teeth clean with braces isn’t difficult when you combine the right tools and techniques with regular orthodontic care. If you are an adult looking to straighten up your smile or have children who need an orthodontic consult, our Nevada Dentistry & Braces team is ready to help.
Contact us today to book a consultation.
related post
Exploring Dental Crown Options: Material, Procedure & Cost In Las Vegas
Your smile is a significant asset. It is often the first thing people see and …
