How to Brush Teeth with Braces
Brushing teeth with braces isn’t too different than brushing without braces. It’s still important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and if possible brush after every meal to remove loose food from under brackets and wires. If brushing isn’t an option immediately after a meal, then rinse your mouth out with water to help remove larger food particles.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush or electric toothbrush and brush gently for two full minutes. Brush gently so you don’t damage the brackets or wires. You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the brackets seem to make bristles wear down faster than usual. Remember to brush around all parts of the teeth, including the fronts, sides, backs, and chewing surfaces.
A toothbrush with rounded bristles works well for brushing braces, and fluoride toothpaste is always best, as it helps prevent tooth decay. Your orthodontist may also recommend a fluoride rinse to accompany proper brushing and flossing. This can help strengthen the teeth even more and keep them cavity-free throughout braces treatment.
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How to Clean Between Teeth with Braces
The wires that connect braces from tooth to tooth makes flossing a challenge, but patience and using the correct floss can help greatly. A floss threader is a tool that allows dental floss to clean underneath the archwires easily. Your dentist or orthodontist can show you how to use a floss threader to ensure you’re keeping teeth and gums as clean as possible.