Keeping Teeth Clean while Wearing Braces

Cleaning your teeth thoroughly and properly while wearing braces can be difficult. But orthodontic treatment makes it more important than ever to keep your teeth clean. This is because the brackets and wires of braces will trap bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment can help prevent gum disease, bad breath, dental cavities, and discoloration of the teeth.

Tips for Keeping Teeth Clean During Orthodontic Treatment

Below are a few ways to make sure you’re keeping your teeth healthy while wearing braces:

• Brush after each meal – While wearing braces, you may want to consider brushing after every meal to remove food debris and plaque buildup. If you’re unable to brush, at least rinse your mouth out with water after meals.
• Always be prepared – The best way to remember to brush after each meal is to put together an oral hygiene kit for your purse, backpack, or car. Don’t forget to include a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss.
• Remember fluoride – Make sure that you’re using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride is great at preventing cavities, which is important during orthodontic treatment.
• Use a floss threader – Lastly, some orthodontic patients have difficulty using regular floss. If you’re struggling with flossing your teeth around your braces, we recommend using a floss threader, which is used to help floss get through the braces.

If you’re concerned about keeping your teeth clean while undergoing orthodontic treatment, please schedule a dental cleaning and a checkup here at Meadows Family Dentistry. Our general dental office is located here in Castle Rock, Colorado.