Braces require more care, as food remains stuck more easily to and behind the braces. Moreover, with plate braces, it isn’t easy to reach all teeth and molars. We give tips on how to care for teeth with braces.
The loose braces or plate braces
Braces are intended for correcting and straightening teeth. Nowadays, you see this not only with young people but also clear braces for adults are more in use. With a radiant smile, everyone melts for that. But straight teeth are also much easier to keep clean.
You have the removable (loose) braces and the plate braces. This makes a real difference in the care of teeth and molars. Do you have removable braces? Always remove these from your mouth when brushing your teeth. Take care of your teeth as you have learned, and clean the braces separately. This can be done with a normal toothbrush, but occasionally put the metal part in a container with water and vinegar. This will remove limescale.
Care teeth with plate braces
A plate brace or braces are stuck in the mouth. It is difficult to talk and eat with this initially, but how do you take care of the teeth with fixed braces?
This can be done with a normal toothbrush, but an electric toothbrush or sonic toothbrush is more effective. Below is a practical step-by-step plan to clean both the mouth and braces as well as possible.
Rinse mouth with water.
After eating, some food remnants remain between teeth and molars but are also stuck to the braces’ wire. Rinsing the mouth with water removes most food residues. You do not need to use special rinse aid for this; water is sufficient.
Using the toothbrush
Now thoroughly clean the teeth, molars, and also braces with a toothbrush using circular movements. Don’t forget the gum lines and the chewing surface. Also, pay a lot of attention to the area around the plates; plaque quickly remains here. Use a toothbrush with a small round head in places that are difficult to reach.
Interdental brush or toothpicks
Have you cleaned the teeth, molars, and braces properly? Then comes the trickiest part: the space between teeth. This is not very easy with a fixed bracket. You cannot use dental floss. What you need is a brush or toothpick. The dentist or orthodontist will tell you what is best to use. Remove food remains and dental plaque between teeth and molars, and make sure you do not damage the braces.
Visit the dentist twice a year.
Visiting your dentist in Arlington, VA, twice a year is always advisable. This is even more important when you wear braces. The dentist checks whether there are no cavities, inflammation, or other problems. You will receive advice on how to care for your teeth when you wear braces properly. Do you have trouble cleaning and keeping your teeth clean? Then it is advisable also to visit the dental hygienist two to four times a year. This is possible for everyone, including people with fixed braces.
Braces out? Have your teeth checked!
There will come a time when the fixed braces can be removed. This is also the time to have your teeth checked by the dentist. Have there not been secret cavities, and what about the health of the gums? An extra check cannot harm during this period.