It’s no secret that braces are difficult to keep clean! Food debris and plaque often get stuck between the wires and brackets, flossing takes a few extra steps, and it can be tough to keep your breath smelling fresh. Luckily, there are a few tips to make sure your teeth stay healthy while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Tips on Keeping Braces Your Clean
Below are a few tips and tricks on how you can keep your teeth healthy and your braces in good shape:
- Replace your toothbrush – Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months or once the bristles start to fray. Consider purchasing a toothbrush made specifically for dental braces, and interdental brushes to make flossing easier.
- Spend more time brushing – Those with braces should be brushing for three minutes, not just two. This gives you time to spend on each tooth, paying extra attention to the areas where the teeth and the brackets touch. Make sure the gum line is also being appropriately brushed.
- Brush after every meal – During orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to step up your dental hygiene game! This includes brushing after each and every meal to remove any leftover food debris between brackets and wires.
- Receive regular dental cleanings – Lastly, it’s vital that you still visit your general dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup. This is even more important during orthodontic treatment!
To make an appointment for your next orthodontic appointment, please contact Garlock Orthodontics here at our Aurora, Colorado office.