Congratulations on starting a journey to a radiant smile! To maintain that radiant smile, it’s essential to keep the hygiene of those pearly whites in check.
We know flossing and brushing teeth with braces is no child’s play, especially if you’re still getting accustomed to them.
Trust us, with extra time and care, you can set sail on your orthodontic journey. We are here to help you master the art of oral health while keeping the all-new hardware, aka your braces, intact.
Let’s discuss simple yet effective ways to floss and brush your teeth with braces, keeping your teeth sparkling and gums healthy!
Can I Brush My Teeth Normally with Braces?
Of course, brushing your teeth is necessary, but with braces, you just have to be more patient and precise with the technique.
The brackets and wire give more space for food and plaque to accumulate, which can deteriorate your oral health if not brushed and flossed properly.
We always suggest that our patients floss and brush their teeth after every meal, i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Besides thoroughly brushing around your brackets and wire, remember to brush the chewing surface and the inside of your teeth as well.
Common Challenges of Flossing and Brushing Teeth with Braces
Getting that perfect shiny smile comes with some challenges, but knowing them can help you tackle them head-on.
The following are the most common challenges our patients face while flossing and brushing their teeth with braces:
- Food Getting Stuck: Brackets and wires can easily trap food particles, making it more complex to clean the teeth thoroughly.
- Hard-to-Reach Areas: The archwire, the wire connecting all the brackets, makes it difficult for the bristles to reach the underlying area, especially between the teeth and along the gums.
- Plaque Buildup: Braces increase the risk of plaque accumulation around the brackets, which can result in tooth decay.
- Time-Consuming Routine: The brushing and flossing routine with braces takes a bit longer than usual.
- Sensitive Gums: Being a foreign entity, braces can cause some initial irritation to your gums, making them more sensitive and resulting in uncomfortable brushing experiences.
How Do I Brush and Floss My Teeth with Braces?
Here are a few tips for flossing your teeth the right way:
- Patients with braces should use a floss threader to pull the floss string underneath the archwire.
- Pull the floss string with both forefingers to form a C-shape around the teeth, and then floss gently.
- Use the same technique to floss between each tooth and under the gumline to clean both sides of a tooth.
Now, here are the best techniques to brush your teeth with braces:
- Take a small amount of toothpaste on your brush and start brushing the front of your teeth in a small and gentle circular motion.
- To reach the sides of the brackets and the wire, you can angle the toothbrush’s head at 45 to the gum line and continue with a circular motion.
- The same technique can be used to brush the backside of your teeth.
- For the chewing surface of the teeth, you can use back-and-forth motion to brush.
- Do not brush your teeth aggressively, as this can result in bleeding gums. Instead, give each tooth a minimum of 10-15 seconds to clean.
- Additionally, using a mouthwash and rinse your mouth for at least 30 seconds is advisable.
What Happens if You Don’t Brush and Floss with Braces?
Skipping out on brushing and flossing with braces can result in unwanted oral health issues.
Here’s what could happen if you don’t maintain a good hygiene routine:
- Plaque Buildup
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
- Permanent Staining
- Prolonged Treatment
Common Questions About Flossing and Brushing Teeth with Braces
Can I use a normal toothbrush for braces?
Absolutely! You can use a regular toothbrush for braces, but it’s best to choose one with soft bristles and a small head to clean effectively around the brackets and wires.
An electric toothbrush can also be helpful for a more thorough cleaning.
How effective is water flossing with braces?
Water Flossing is quite effective as the water can reach difficult spots around the brackets and underneath the archwire.
Does it hurt while flossing with braces?
Flossing with braces can cause mild discomfort if you have never flossed before getting braces or simply because the gums are sensitive to braces.
It is advisable to use waxed floss and be more gentle while flossing.
What causes the teeth to turn yellow after getting braces?
Braces hinder the toothbrush cleaning underneath the wire and around the brackets, which results in plaque buildup and turns the teeth yellow.
This is why we ensure our patients know how to properly care for their teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment. We are here to guide you through proper techniques for maintaining a healthy oral care routine at home.
Need Help with Braces Care? We’re Just a Call Away
Taking care of your teeth with braces can appear to be challenging at first, but we are here to make it easy for you!
Here at Orthobar, our expert team will guide you through the best techniques for keeping your teeth healthy.
Schedule a free consultation today, and let us help you through every step of your orthodontic journey, ensuring your path to a perfect smile is smooth and successful!
