3 teenage girls smile, two without braces and one with braces who keeps her mouth clean

Cleaning Your Mouth with Braces

September 21, 2019 6:26 pm

At Meason Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering dramatic results for our patients. Whether you’re looking to correct gaps in teeth, crooked teeth, or other alignment issues, our team will come up with a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you meet your goals.

Whether you’ve just gotten braces or you’ve had them for months, you’ve probably come across some of the challenges that come with keeping your teeth healthy and clean while wearing braces. The following tips will help you care for your teeth and smile throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment.

  1. Create a Habit
  2. Establish a regular routine for cleaning your mouth and braces to take some of the stress out of remembering to do so each day. At a minimum, you should brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes each time, and floss every day. However, many people with braces should brush their teeth after every meal or snack, as braces can trap bacteria and food. This can increase your risk of tooth decay. But if you can’t brush your teeth after each meal, at least rinse your mouth with water to wash away sticky food particles and give your teeth some swipes with an interdental brush.

  3. Use the Right Tools
  4. Because braces can change the way you care for your teeth, you may want to get some special tools to handle the job. Many of our patients with braces find that oral hygiene is easier with a water flosser, floss threaders, and an electric toothbrush.

  5. Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings
  6. While good oral hygiene at home can reduce your risk for developing cavities, gum disease, and other common dental conditions, there is no substitute for a professional cleaning. Schedule a routine dental cleaning every six months.

    To ask our team any questions about cleaning your braces, contact us today! Or check out our blog about foods to avoid with braces.

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