If you don't maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine with braces, plaque can build up on your teeth. Today, we share tips on how you can efficiently brush your teeth with braces.
Follow The 45 Degree Rule
When brushing your braces, don't forget the 45-degree rule. On the lower teeth, point your brush slightly upwards to reach under the groove of the bracket, and point downwards when brushing the top teeth. Food will most often get stuck on the sides of your braces, in between your cheek and teeth. Get into the habit of flossing your teeth or using a toothpick after you eat; this could make brushing a little easier.
Treat Your Brackets As You Would Your Teeth
Don’t let plaque build up in the areas located next to your brackets as this could lead to tooth discoloration or cavities between your teeth. The brackets and wires will create more grooves where bacteria can settle and multiply. To help prevent this, brush your teeth after every meal. You can still floss with braces, but use dental floss that has hard tips or flossing lassos to get under the wire. We also recommend using a toothbrush that has harder bristles, so they don’t get stuck in or damaged by your brackets.
Choose Healthy Foods
You can start preventing plaque by opting for healthy meals and snacks. You don’t need to make any drastic changes to your diet when you have braces, but we recommend limiting foods that will make it harder for you to brush and floss. Some examples include jerky, licorice, popcorn, and taffy, all of which can have a higher odds of getting stuck in your braces than other foods. By avoiding a shortlist of tough-to-eat and sticky foods, your daily brushing and flossing routine will be easier. Ask your orthodontist which foods you should avoid.
