Everyone who wears traditional braces faces the dilemma of how to brush and floss effectively during treatment. However, adding just a few minutes daily to your oral hygiene routine can ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.
The following steps will help you develop daily brushing and flossing habits that work well for braces. You can review the steps with your child a few times until it becomes a habit, and soon they’ll be a pro at brushing with braces
1. Brush Teeth Twice Daily
Brush for two minutes twice a day following these steps:
- Remove rubber bands
- Starting on the top row, brush gently in circular motions, covering each tooth down to the gumline.
- Make sure the brush bristles reach through the wires to remove trapped food particles.
2. Floss Once a Day
It’s crucial for everyone to floss once daily and especially important with braces. You can’t clean every tooth surface with your brush, especially between teeth where plaque commonly builds up. Investing in floss threaders will ensure you can thoroughly clean every tooth surface.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
It’s still possible to miss spots when brushing and flossing around brackets and wires. Using a fluoride mouthwash at the end of your oral hygiene routine rinses away cavity-causing food debris and leaves you with fresher breath.
4. Use Oral Hygiene Aids
Ask your dentist or hygienist what oral hygiene aids they recommend to make teeth cleaning more efficient and productive. Water flossers, floss threaders, super floss, and proxy brushes are all helpful additions to your tooth-cleaning arsenal.
5. Maintain Scheduled Orthodontic Appointments
The purpose of visiting your dentist in Aurora every 4–6 weeks for scheduled check-in appointments involves tightening orthodontic wires and performing professional teeth cleanings as needed.
Following your at-home hygiene routine consistently and staying current with your dental appointments is your best insurance your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment.
Call Us for More Tips on Caring for Braces
Dr. Holly Baller and our team at Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands are here for you and your child every step of the way throughout orthodontic treatment and beyond.
If you or your child crooked teeth or bite problems, we would love to talk to you about straightening your smile. Please call our Aurora, CO, dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Baller.