Have you just had your braces installed on your teeth? Now that you’ve finished the installation and have gone through the hard part, you breathe out a sigh of relief. You walk out of the doors of the dental clinic and feel very happy that you did it. But, after a long day, you get home and as you prepare yourself to go to bed, you find yourself in the bathroom and that’s where you wonder, how am I going to brush my teeth with all these tiny metal brackets blocking my teeth?
But, fear not because in this guide, we will teach you how to properly brush your teeth with braces in just 8 easy steps!
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Steps on How to Brush your Teeth with Braces:
Prepare your dental equipment
Depending on your orthodontist, they may or may not have given you the tools that you need for brushing your teeth. These tools include:
- A cup or a glass for gargling
- A manual or electric toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- An interdental brush
- Some floss
- A mouthwash
- A mirror
Prepare these tools first before you start brushing to avoid any inconvenience. If you don’t have any of these, you may find them in a convenience store near you.
Gargle
Once you have gathered all the tools that you need for brushing, go ahead and grab your glass or cup, fill it with tap water, and swish the water around the interiors of your mouth. Gargling before brushing is beneficial because it removes the big food particles stuck in your mouth and loosens the other debris left, making it easier to brush them out later on.
Angle your toothbrush
After you gargle, grab your toothbrush and top it with a fair amount of toothpaste. Once you have prepared this, start angling your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush along your gumline first. Then, move your toothbrush and brush on top of your brackets. After that, reposition it again, but this time, position it under the brackets and wire. Make sure to brush thoroughly and clean each tooth, but do not brush hard. Lastly, brush the inner surfaces where you would usually chew your food.
Brush for two to three minutes
Continue brushing for about two minutes or more. Take note that if you’re just starting out, you may take longer than two minutes, and that’s completely fine. As long as you are able to remove all the food particles on your teeth, that will do.
Use your interdental brush
Using an interdental brush is completely optional. However, if you have one at home or your orthodontist gave you one, it’s best to use it.
Once you are done brushing, grab your interdental brush (also called a proxabrush) and brush it over the tooth that you believe still has some leftover food particles. This tool is perfect to remove small debris between your teeth because of its small size and flexibility.
Floss your teeth
Even if you have braces, you shouldn’t skip flossing as it is very important in dental hygiene. Flossing might be tough when you’re just starting out because of the brackets and wires attached to your teeth, but it will get easier over time. Start by gently maneuvering the floss around your braces and in between teeth. You may also use a water flosser to be able to reach the spots that are hard to reach with regular floss.
Rinse
After flossing, grab your glass or cup once again but this time, fill it with mouthwash. Gargle the mouthwash into the interiors of your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. This eliminates germs and other leftover food particles, as well as freshens your breath.
Look in the mirror
Once you are done with all these steps, go ahead and look in the mirror. Smile and see if you can still see any leftover food particles. If you don’t see any more debris, you did a good job. However, if you think you haven’t gotten rid of all debris, you can always brush again. Over time, you’ll develop a routine that works best for you. Brushing properly takes time, and it doesn’t develop overnight. Once you’ve mastered this, brushing with braces will be as easy as pie!
Aftercare
Now that you know how to brush properly with braces, it is best to maintain this habit daily. Don’t forget to brush after every meal and before going to bed to keep your teeth free from debris. Make sure to always practice this because if these food particles are stuck on your teeth for a long period of time, they may cause plaque that may turn into cavities in the long run.
Book an Appointment Now
Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. By following the eight easy steps on how to brush your teeth with braces, you can keep your braces clean and ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong. It’s important to choose an experienced orthodontist who can provide guidance and support throughout your orthodontic treatment journey.
At Kumra Orthodontics, a trusted orthodontist in Washington, D.C., their team is committed to providing exceptional care and utilizing the latest techniques to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the importance of proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment with braces.
