Have you recently acquired your very own set of braces? Or maybe your dentist asked you to be more meticulous while cleaning your brace- filled mouth? Either way we would like to provide you with 5 useful tips to keep your mouth clean and braces sparkling.
1.) Clean the Whole Tooth
We are going to start simple and then work our way into more intricate cleaning tips. Please make sure that you clean every portion of the tooth and not just the front. The back and chewing side of your teeth are equally as important as the more visible front.
2.) Clean After Every Meal
Braces are excellent at catching food bits. Therefore, it is very important that you brush after every meal. Food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth and can cause decay if left unattended for extended periods of time. If you are unable to brush, then you can at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
3.) Remove the Hardware
No, I do not mean the braces themselves…Oftentimes elastic bands or headgear can make cleaning difficult, so make sure to remove these before brushing or flossing.
4.) Find a Floss that Fits Your Style
Some prefer regular floss, but others may enjoy the added support of a floss threader to navigate the braces. Experiment with various types and stick with the type of floss that you will use on a daily basis.
5.) Always Be Prepared
You will be eating throughout the day, which can make brushing and flossing away from your home difficult. Therefore, remember to always be prepared. Create a dental supplies bag and store it somewhere that you will regularly have access, like a purse or a drawer at your workstation.
We appreciate that you are taking the time to care about your dental hygiene. If you would like a consultation for braces, please call or visit our San Diego orthodontics office today.
