Dental braces are investments. They may cost a fortune, alright. But after years of wearing a set, the end results of having dental braces should all be worth it. Getting fitted with this dental appliance can correct dental problems that may have been bothering the patient for years.
As it is an investment, it is only but important to take care of it well. Besides, implementing a proper dental hygiene, as with the brushing of the teeth, is necessary so that even while the braces treatment is on going, the patient does not develop other problems like cavities, discoloration and gum diseases.
How often should I brush with braces?
The best way for taking care of braces is to brush the teeth after each meal. The frequency is crucial and important to people wearing braces because it is so easy for food particles to get trapped in between the teeth and the brackets. Not doing the brushing and cleaning often enough can lead to bad breath and gum diseases, which can sometimes develop or progress in as little as 48 hours.
How often should I visit a hygienist?
Although this is not required, visiting a hygienist can help, most especially if there are spots on your teeth that are harder to clean with just you brushing it. A hydro cleaning may be needed in this case.
A hygienist, by the way, specializes in oral hygiene. They have undergone additional training aside from becoming a dentist per se. But your orthodontist can also perform prophylaxis procedure each time you come to the clinic for braces adjustments.
Is there a special toothbrush for people with braces?
Orthodontists sometimes provide their patients with a proxy brush, which sort of looks like a Christmas tree. The tip of it is meant to clean between the teeth and the brackets of the braces. It’s thin and tiny and does not look like a regular toothbrush. The head of the brush may be replaced, as it can wear down and gather bacteria. If your orthodontist can’t provide you with this special toothbrush, you can easily buy this at drugs stores.
Before brushing your teeth make sure that the tool itself is clean. If possible, run the toothbrush in hot water to sanitize it.
Below is the proper procedure for brushing teeth with braces.
- Begin by swishing water around your mouth to loosen up food particles.
- Fill your toothbrush with toothpaste then start brushing from the bottom jaw with the bristles slightly slanted towards the top.
- Move your hand back and forth as you brush your teeth, particularly the molars, going from the outside to the inside, and ensure that the bristles are touching the brackets.
- Reach out to remove the food that may be lodge in it, and then continue brushing the bottom set of teeth until you’ve gone through it well.
- Spit any bubbles and residue from the toothpaste. It may be necessary to fill your toothbrush again.
- Then with your toothbrush pointing upwards, begin brushing the top part of your teeth set
- Do the same back and forth motion as you reach the molars on the top side. Then spit out when you’re done.
- Then finally, with the bristles facing the front of your teeth, brush this with an upward and downward motion.
- Do the same for the bottom part of the front teeth. Spend at least two minutes with each set.
- Spit well and then rinse with water.
- At this point, if you have a special toothbrush, you can use this to start cleaning the wires individually. It’s no longer necessary to put a toothpaste in a proxy toothbrush with the bristles end-tuffed, as it is too small.
- Rinse and spit well after the individual cleaning.
After you are done with brushing, you can also floss your teeth, to ensure that the brush did not leave out any food particles. Finally, use a mouthwash to complete your oral hygiene ritual.