​Maintaining proper oral health is very important, but it’s even more important when you have braces. Many people are curious about brushing with braces, but it shouldn’t pose any challenge if you follow the tips below.

Brushing and Regular Cleaning

If you can, it pays to brush after every meal when you are living with braces. At the very least, try to do this twice a day, and then in between brushes rinse the mouth with water after each meal to ensure food particles are not caught between your teeth and in the braces.

By rinsing properly and regularly, you’ll be able to prevent cheek and gum inflammation that may result from wearing braces. You should also try to get a mouthwash that can help guard against gingivitis.

Flossing Properly

Flossing regularly will help you prevent plaque buildup between the teeth. You can try normal floss, a reusable floss threader or a water flosser, among other flossing options. Flossing should be done daily too, preferably right before bed. You should also go for regular dental cleanings to keep your teeth clean and ensure the wires and brackets are in place and in good condition.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

It’s important that you choose the right type of brush, one that can properly clean the spaces between and around the brackets. Many professionals recommend a soft brush along with a proxabrush. The proxabrush is specially designed to clean the spaces between the braces and the brackets.

Cleaning Your Removable Appliance

Cleaning your removable appliance – like a retainer – should also be a part of your regular cleaning schedule. You can always clean it by soaking it in a solution with a denture-cleaning tablet like Efferdent or Polident one to three times a week. This will go a long way to prevent bacteria or plaque buildup.

With braces, you now have to clean between the brackets and wires to prevent plaque buildup. This may seem more of a challenge, but it’s entirely worth it. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will be very important so you can have a sparkling white and healthy smile when the braces are finally off.

For more information, schedule a visit or contact Dr. Buck at 425-361-7499.