A proper hygiene routine is extremely important if you’ve decided to straighten your teeth with braces. Braces can cause a buildup of food debris and bacteria in the mouth if not taken care of properly, leading to tooth decay that could be painful and have long-term consequences for oral health. To help ensure your teeth stay healthy while wearing braces, you should adopt five daily hygiene habits: brushing twice a day; flossing regularly; using an antiseptic mouthwash; avoiding sugary or sticky foods; and scheduling regular visits with your orthodontist. Read on to learn about these essential hygiene habits for keeping your smile healthy as you show off those sparkling straightened pearly whites!
Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
Oral hygiene is essential for health, and one of the most important steps is brushing your teeth at least twice daily. To ensure healthy teeth and gums, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush. This brush is gentle on your teeth and removes plaque and debris without causing any gum damage. Moreover, if you’re wearing braces, don’t forget to brush the areas between brackets and wires thoroughly. These spots are particularly hard to reach and require extra attention to keep your mouth healthy. So, spend a few minutes daily brushing your teeth and maintaining a healthy, bright smile.
Floss Daily
Flossing has always been crucial to maintaining a healthy smile, but it’s especially important when you have braces. Those bits of food you might miss can be embarrassing and lead to serious dental problems. That’s where flossing comes in: it helps remove plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach spots between your teeth and braces that brushing alone can’t get to. Not only will flossing leave your mouth feeling refreshed, but it will also help ensure teeth stay healthy and strong for years. So take just a few minutes out of your day to floss and keep your smile shining!
Use An Antiseptic Mouthwash
Keeping your mouth clean and healthy is essential, and an antiseptic mouthwash can be effective. After each brushing session, it’s important to rinse with mouthwash. Do this for at least 30 seconds to kill bacteria or germs in the mouth. Doing so can help improve oral hygiene, reduce bad breath, and prevent gingivitis and cavities. So, the next time you brush your teeth, incorporate an antiseptic mouthwash into your routine for a sparkling clean mouth!
Invest In A Water Flosser Or An Interdental Brush
Keeping your teeth and gums clean while wearing braces can be a challenge. Flossing can be difficult and time-consuming, but it’s essential for removing food particles and preventing gum disease. Luckily, there are tools available that can make the process easier and more effective. Investing in a water flosser or an interdental brush can provide the extra support you need to clean your braces properly. These specialized tools can reach the areas that traditional floss and toothbrushes can’t, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong throughout your orthodontic treatment. Say goodbye to food stuck in your braces and hello to a brighter smile with a water flosser or interdental brush.
Be Consistent With Dental Checkups Every Six Months
Maintaining good dental hygiene while wearing braces is essential for a healthy smile, and making regular trips to the dentist is a crucial part of that process. Consistency is key, so scheduling checkups every six months during orthodontic treatment is highly recommended. Not only will this help prevent potential issues, but it will also ensure that your braces are properly adjusted and functioning as they should be. Don’t jeopardize the hard work you’ve put into your smile by skipping appointments – stay consistent with your dental checkups and enjoy the results of a healthy, beautiful smile.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your oral hygiene while wearing braces is important, and the best way to ensure that you stay healthy is to be mindful of your oral hygiene routine. Brush teeth twice daily should become part of a daily routine to maintain a healthy smile and force plaque away from brackets, wires, and anywhere else it may hide. Flossing helps remove plaque from those tight spaces between teeth – an extra tool such as an interdental brush or water flosser should be considered for those difficult spots. Lastly, using an antiseptic mouthwash after each brushing session can help prevent bacteria from building up in the mouth and guard against tooth sensitivity and cavities. Additionally, regular dental checkups every six months help keep your gums and teeth safe during this period of orthodontic care! Take care of yourself and speak with your dentist if there are any questions about your braces’ health or oral hygiene tips. To start maintaining good habits for orthodontic care, visit Jim Michaels Waterski, a Dental Health Practioner, today!