Whether you are a kid or an adult, wearing braces can be a chore. They are certainly significantly more comfortable than ever before. And they are also easier to maintain overall. But many dental patients who wear braces have trouble keeping them clean. This comes down mainly to the fact that it takes a little bit of extra work to keep your teeth and gums clean with braces. But because you wear braces, it is doubly important that you understand how to clean teeth with braces. Failure to brush — and especially failure to floss — allows for plaque build-up. And as this turns to tartar and bacteria starts to build up, it leads directly to tooth decay and cavities. Because there are many more places that this bacteria can hide when you have braces, knowing how to clean teeth with braces is essential.
It can be challenging to know how to clean teeth with braces. But by following a few easy steps, you can be sure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as can be!
How to Clean Teeth with Braces: Brushing
First of all, remember that one of the main goals of having braces is straight teeth. And straight teeth are important cosmetically, but they are also important for your dental hygiene. When your teeth are straight, it is, to put it simply, much easier for you to reach the plaque that causes tooth decay. But for the 18 months or so that you have braces, knowing how to clean teeth with braces is critical. And the importance of brushing cannot be overemphasized. By developing a healthy routine, you can ensure your dental health for years to come. At South High Dental, we recommend you follow the following steps:
- Remove all external, removable parts of your braces, like rubber bands and elastics
- Carefully clean around each bracket and wire with a soft-bristles toothbrush
- Brush your teeth. At South High Dental, we recommend that you brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
- Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
How to Clean Teeth with Braces: Flossing
Many of us have been hearing our whole lives how important flossing is. And there is no question that cleaning between the teeth is as important as cleaning the outer surfaces. But cleaning between the teeth when you have braces is tricky. By following these tips, you will get the hang of it in no time.
- Thread an 18-inch strand of waxed dental floss under the wire of your braces
- Slowly and firmly move the floss up and down, removing the plaque
- Unthread the floss and move on to the next tooth. Repeat until you have flossed all of your teeth.
Reach Out to South High Dental Today
Last year marked South High Dental’s 30th as a dental practice. And we have been helping people with braces for all 30 of those years! If you would like to learn more about how to clean teeth with braces, don’t hesitate. Contact us today using our convenient online form, or by calling 614.363.2462. A brighter smile awaits you!
