What is oral hygiene?
Oral hygiene refers to keeping your teeth and mouth clean to avoid oral decay, disease, and other problems.
Importance of oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. When bacteria build up and form plaque, it can cause a range of health problems.
Before you begin your braces journey, your orthodontist will check that your mouth and gums are healthy and free of infection. Moving teeth when an infection is present is dangerous. If an infection develops during orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist has no choice but to discontinue treatment until the infection clears.
How to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces?
Oral hygiene doesn’t change whether you have braces or not. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist are all important during treatment. You just have to use different techniques for brushing and flossing with braces. It's not difficult, it just takes some practice and getting used to.
How many times a day should I brush while wearing braces?
Teeth should be brushed after every major meal and before bed. Essentially, you need to brush your teeth wisely and make sure you brush whenever food contains sugar, so brush at least three to four times a day. Brush your teeth thoroughly. Brushing your teeth with braces takes longer because of all the nooks and crannies, but it's best to take your time and get the job done thoroughly.
Brushing and flossing with braces
What type of toothbrush is best?
It’s up to you whether to use an electric or manual toothbrush. Some patients prefer one or the other when wearing braces. Thoroughness is more important than the type of brush you use.
Are there any alternatives to brushing your teeth?
If you are unable to brush after lunch or a snack, remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove food particles that may have collected around the brackets and wires. However, the other two rinses throughout the day are a no-go! Make sure you brush and floss your teeth at least morning and night.
Will my orthodontist know if I don't brush my teeth?
It is clear at a glance which patients are brushing their teeth correctly and which are not. Plaque builds up around the brackets and gum line. Plaque can cause staining on your teeth, which will be noticeable when your braces are removed. Plaque can also cause tooth decay and lead to gum infections, which need to be avoided while wearing braces.
Can I floss with braces?
Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. Flossing is the only way to clean between teeth and along the gum line. Orthodontists recommend Super Floss to anyone who wears braces because it is easier to use than other types of braces and is less likely to damage the braces. If you find it helpful, you can also use a small interdental brush to clean around the braces.
Step-by-Step Oral Hygiene Habits for Braces
Brushing teeth and braces
After eating, brush your teeth. Use an electric or manual toothbrush and fluoride gel or toothpaste, depending on your preference. Fluoride helps protect enamel. Do not use any whitening toothpaste. Whitening agents only work where they come into contact. It won't turn white under the stand. Wait until your braces are removed before starting to use these products to achieve an even color.
Starting from the top row, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the top of the holder. Move the brush in small circular motions along the top half of the teeth. This allows the toothbrush to clean your teeth, braces, and wires. Brush the inside of your upper teeth and all flat surfaces. Repeat on the bottom arch using the same brush, angle, and motion.
If your toothbrush doesn't remove all food particles, use an interdental brush. It's perfect for getting into any small crevices and removing particles that your toothbrush can't reach.
dental floss
Take about 20 cm of dental floss and wrap it around your index finger. Thread the floss between the wire and the tooth. Gently move the floss between the teeth and into the gums to remove plaque and food particles.
Check your teeth and braces
Take a quick check of your teeth to make sure all food and plaque has been removed. Check the brackets and wires to make sure nothing is loose or damaged.
wax
If your brackets or wires are rubbing against the inside of your mouth and causing you discomfort, take a small piece of wax and apply it smoothly to any part of the bracket that is needed. If irritation persists, call the clinic.
Important Oral Hygiene Tips
In addition to brushing and flossing, there are a few other points to remember to keep your teeth healthy and stain-free.
avoid snacking
Now that your teeth are clean, try to avoid snacking between meals. If you snack, try to make healthy choices. It's best to eat any sugary food immediately after a meal and before brushing your teeth. Eating or drinking something sweet between meals can mean the sugar sits on your teeth and braces for hours, causing cavities and staining.
Change your toothbrush regularly
If the bristles are frayed, the toothbrush won't be as effective. Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months. However, braces may cause your toothbrush to wear out faster. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles are no longer straight.
Visit the dentist
Although you see an orthodontist regularly, it's not the same as going to the dentist. While you have braces, you should visit your dentist every six months to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Make a reservation in advance so you don’t forget to visit.
If you neglect your oral hygiene habits
Just pick it up. Brush and floss thoroughly as soon as possible. Try to carry your toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can brush your teeth at all times. It’s best not to give up on oral hygiene because it won’t be long before problems arise.
If you don't brush your teeth, it could affect your orthodontic treatment. If you have a lot of plaque on your teeth, you may need to see your dentist sooner rather than later. Professional cleaning may reduce the chance of visible stains after wearing braces.
Lack of oral hygiene is one of the main causes of gum infections. Once a gum infection develops, your orthodontist may need to stop adjusting your braces until the infection clears up. If teeth shift in infected gums, it can cause serious problems that may last for a long time.
