Self-measures to maintain good oral hygiene after wearing braces
Brush and floss - Dentists usually recommend using a small toothbrush for brushing after getting braces. The small brush size makes it easy to reach all areas for a finer, more thorough brushing. Polished nylon bristles with soft and flat brushing surfaces are generally preferred; however, your dentist may recommend a specialized brush with finer detail.
It is important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste because fluoride protects teeth from cavities. Maintaining good oral hygiene under normal circumstances may require brushing twice a day. However, when using braces, it is generally recommended to brush your teeth at least five times a day, with each brushing session lasting at least five minutes.
Additionally, it is recommended to brush your teeth after every meal during the day. It is recommended to brush your teeth before going to bed, mainly to combat bacterial activity that increases during the night due to reduced salivary flow.
Ideal brushing steps
- Start brushing from the top of the braces/aligners and aim directly at the teeth. In addition, it is recommended to brush your teeth back and forth.
- Properly clean the area under the stand/stand by moving it back and forth to ensure proper cleaning
- Brush the occlusal (biting surface of the teeth) and lingual (the area of the teeth facing the tongue)
- Brush your teeth in gentle circular motions to prevent damaging your braces
In these cases, regular flossing is just as important as brushing because flossing removes trapped food from the braces. In order to floss correctly, the following steps are important:
- Cut a length of dental floss that will fit easily around the index fingers of both hands.
- Place a loop of dental floss between the braces wire and the tooth. The floss must line up with your gums and the space between your teeth.
- Fold the floss end securely over your index finger. This ensures proper grip and allows for required movement without harming the gums and braces.
- Gently remove trapped food and plaque buildup between teeth. To ensure gentle cleaning, it is recommended to hold the floss in a "C" shape around the teeth rather than holding the floss in a straight position. This vertical movement ensures minimal damage and correct cleaning.
After getting braces, it's important to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques from your orthodontist.
What foods should you avoid while wearing braces?
Chewing hard foods can cause your braces to break. Once a brace no longer adheres to the tooth surface, it becomes loose and no longer performs its required function. Generally speaking, soft foods are preferred over hard and crunchy foods. Some foods to avoid are:
Hard foods: Foods that require effort to bite, such as bagels, hard rolls, apples and nuts, should be cut into small pieces before eating.
Sticky foods: Foods that stick to the tooth surface should be avoided as they tend to stick to the tooth surface for a longer period of time. Some examples include caramels, chewing gum, and candies.
Sugary and processed foods: Foods such as candy and sugary drinks can promote demineralization and lead to subsequent cavities.
Crunchy Foods: Foods such as popcorn and ice should be completely avoided during orthodontic treatment, as the force of crushing them in the mouth may cause the braces to break.
In addition to the above methods, it is recommended to protect the braces from any external damage. It is recommended to avoid activities involving interpersonal violence and accidents. For athletes and other athletes, it is recommended to wear a mouthguard while competing. Additionally, regular follow-up visits with your dentist ensure professional cleaning and the most appropriate care.
