Braces are great for your smile, but they are more painful than they are worth if you don’t maintain them properly. Food particles and plaque fluids can accumulate around the brackets and wires, causing bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. So it is crucial to follow proper braces cleaning tips to preserve your oral health while you have your orthodontic treatment.
Why Cleaning Your Braces Is Important
Braces provide additional places for food and bacteria to conceal themselves, making it more likely that plaque will form. Plaque, if not properly cleaned, will turn into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath that won’t go away. Good oral hygiene practices will prevent these problems while ensuring your breath stays fresh.
Essential Braces Cleaning Tips
1. Brush After Every Meal
Cleaning your teeth regularly is different when you have braces in Santa Clarita. Brushing your teeth after each meal should become a habit. Brushing your teeth after every meal will prevent food from getting stuck on your brackets and wires. Here is how to brush your teeth with braces:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush should be used.
- Use a 45° angle to put the brush and clean circles around the brackets.
- Clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Do not forget to clean your tongue, as it keeps bacteria that cause bad breath.
2. Use an Orthodontic Floss Threader or Water Flosser
Flossing while wearing braces can be difficult, but it’s important to remove plaque between the teeth and near the brackets.
- Utilize a floss threader to lead floss between the wires.
- Slide the floss between your teeth slowly and pass it up and down.
- A water flosser is an excellent substitute for regular flossing because it employs the use of a soft stream of water to remove plaque from difficult areas.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using an antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria and freshens breath. It also reduces plaque buildup and protects your gums from inflammation.
- Choose a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Swish for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing.
4. Avoid Sticky and Sugary Foods
Certain foods can damage your braces or contribute to bad breath and plaque buildup. How to prevent bad breath with braces:
- Avoid sticky candies, caramel, and chewing gum that can get stuck in your braces.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks, as sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth.
- To keep your mouth hydrated and wash away food particles, drink a lot of water.
5. Clean Your Retainers or Aligners
If you wear removable retainers or clear aligners, keeping them clean is just as important as brushing your teeth.
- Rinse them every time you remove them.
- Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which can scratch them).
- Soak them in a denture cleaner or retainer cleaner for a deep clean.
6. Schedule Regular Dental and Orthodontic Checkups
Seeing an orthodontist near you regularly ensures that your braces are in good condition and that your teeth are staying healthy.
- Your orthodontist will check for plaque buildup and adjust your braces as needed.
- Professional cleanings help remove tartar and keep your breath fresh.
7. Carry a Braces Care Kit
A small braces care kit can help you maintain your oral hygiene while on the go.
- Include a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
- Keep orthodontic wax handy to prevent irritation from brackets or wires.
- Sugar-free gum or mints can help freshen your breath when brushing isn’t an option.
Keep Your Braces Clean for a Healthier Smile
If you’re looking for braces, Smile Republic Orthodontics is here to help. Our experienced orthodontist in Santa Clarita provides expert care to ensure your smile transformation goes smoothly. Schedule a consultation today to get started on your journey to a confident smile!
