The Importance of Oral Care When Wearing Braces

Wearing braces can help straighten your teeth if you suffer with crooked teeth. It is used to pull the teeth into the correct position over time. You will visit your orthodontist regularly to have them tighten the braces, forcing your teeth into the chosen position.

Following  a strict oral health routine at home is imperative when you wear braces as anyone wearing braces has a higher chance of gum disease, which if ignored can cause serious problems In addition to this, people who wear braces are more prone to tartar build up, which can result in cavities and unwelcome pain in the long run.

Cleaning your teeth can be exceptionally challenging when you have braces, trying to get into every nook and cranny and ensure your teeth are clean can be such a daunting experience, which can leave you frustrated.

The first step to achieving the best oral health results when wearing dental braces is to choose the right products from the start. Your dental professional should provide you with advice on what toothpaste to use and the best toothbrush. Ensure any toothpaste you choose is fluoride toothpaste, which can help protect your teeth moving forward. Choose a soft bristle brush, which will enable you to brush without causing unwelcome damage to your teeth in the long run.

Always brush your teeth twice daily. The most important time to brush is right before bed as bacteria breed while you are sleeping, as your mouth can become dry. Brushing before bed removes plaque and any leftover food debris, ensuring that your teeth, gums and mouth are clean before sleep. You must then brush once more during the day, this is normally in the morning before heading out to school or work.

Rinse your mouth with clean water after each meal. You don’t have to brush, though you can if you prefer, especially if you have eaten something sticky, which is likely to get stuck in your braces and remain on your teeth for an extended period. Rinsing your mouth with water will keep your mouth hydrated, but also help remove unwanted leftover food and debris, removing it from the tooth surface to ensure your mouth is clean and that you can smile with confidence.

The final step to ensuring good oral carewhen wearing braces is to concentrate on each individual tooth when brushing. This may take longer than two minutes to start as you try and navigate your way around the braces, but once you get the hang of it, brushing won’t be such a daunting task and you can enjoy the fact that you are ensuring your oral health moving forward.