So, you have your new set of braces? Congratulations! Our Lyons Orthodontics Team couldn’t be more excited for you to get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Now all you have to do is take good care of your teeth. We’re happy to help you along your journey, just follow the steps below if you’re brushing with braces.
How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces
Pick the Right Toothbrush. Brushing with braces can seem tricky at first. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. You may need to have two kinds of toothbrushes for this task. First, you will need an ordinary soft-bristled toothbrush, and you will also need a proxabrush. A proxabrush resembles the structure of a Christmas tree, and this unusual toothbrush design is helpful when you are cleaning around the wires of your braces. Orthodontists in El Dorado Hill, CA, suggest that you use the ordinary brush first. You’ll clean your teeth using up and down motions. You can then use the proxabrush to clean the surfaces of the teeth that have wires. In this way, all parts of your teeth are cleaned during each session.
Floss Thoroughly. Dr. Tim Lyons explains that people who wear braces have to be more vigilant when flossing because the wires and brackets add to the places where food particles and plaque can accumulate. So, make sure you pay extra attention while flossing each day so that you remove any accumulations. Any type of floss, such as a Waterpik or a reusable floss threader, will work best.
Rinse Your Mouth and Teeth. The orthodontists at Lyons Orthodontics recommend that you add to your oral care routine is rinsing your teeth. Rinsing is not only a quick and easy method but also effective. It is best to use an antibacterial mouthwash since this can ward off gingivitis while helping to flush any accumulations on your teeth and braces.
Clean Removable Devices. If you have Invisalign clear aligners, then your oral health care routine will be a little different. You’ll want to remove your aligners daily so that you can clean out the bacteria and plaque. Use the denture-cleaning solution recommended by your orthodontist in El Dorado Hill, CA.
How Frequently Should I Clean My Braces?
Even without braces, it is appropriate to brush and floss daily. People with braces are particularly advised to have a toothbrush with them at all times, if possible. This will allow them to brush after every meal.
If that isn’t possible, Dr. Tim Lyons recommends that you rinse your mouth with plain water to remove food particles caught between the wires of your braces.
Foods to Avoid If You Wear Braces
Yes, wearing braces imposes some restrictions on your food choices, but these are intended to safeguard the braces and your oral health from preventable problems. Generally speaking, you should refrain from eating any hard or sticky foods since these pose the biggest risk to your braces and teeth. Such foods include caramel, hard candies, gum, popcorn, and nuts.
Dr. Long Luu, an orthodontist in Folsom, CA, cautions that care regarding what you expose your teeth and braces to extends to non-food items, such as ice, pencils, and fingernails. Don’t chew these objects because you may damage your braces and teeth.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Tim Lyons and his team will give you specific care instructions to follow once you get your braces. Make sure you follow those instructions so that you can get your beautiful smile within the expected treatment time. We strongly urge you to attend every follow-up appointment as scheduled. Lyons Orthodontics looks forward to the day you complete your treatment so that we can celebrate together once your braces are finally removed! If you ever have any questions, contact Lyons Orthodontics, and we’ll be happy to assist you.