Global statistics have shown that approximately one-third of the world’s population has worn braces at some point in their lives. This includes both children and adults, with a noticeable increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, having braces in the way can introduce a few extra steps to your essential daily routine. While braces work their hardest to straighten your teeth, they also create extra areas where food particles and plaque can quickly accumulate, and without proper care, this can lead to many oral issues you’re better off without. Luckily, all the right tools and techniques to prevent such problems are available, keeping your braces and your smile in an optimal state.
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Why Does It Matter to Choose the Right Dental Tools?
Selecting the right toothbrush and floss for your braces can make your dental routine both easier and more effective, ensuring your oral health stays great while the braces do their job of aligning your teeth the way they should be. There are various types of toothbrushes and dental floss designed to fulfill different needs. Some brushes are even made specifically for cleaning around braces, enabling thorough cleaning while keeping the braces in their best condition.
Consequences of Neglecting Oral Hygiene with Braces
Failing to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces can have many consequences, including aesthetic, functional, and health-related ones. Unfortunately, many patients find that, instead of the straight, radiant smile they expected, they’re left with further issues to deal with after removing their braces, some of which we mention below:
1- Tooth Decay
When plaque isn’t being removed on a regular basis, it builds up and starts hardening, transforming into tartar, the root cause of tooth decay.
2- Gum Disease
Without proper cleaning, the gums around the braces can become red, swollen, and more susceptible to infection. This creates an ideal environment for gum disease, putting your oral health at risk for more serious issues, like tooth loss.
3- Bad Breath
Food particles and plaque build-up can cause persistent bad breath that’s hard to get rid of easily. Making sure you constantly get your teeth brushed and flossed in a proper way is the best way to control it.
4- Damaged Braces
Additionally, brushing or flossing in an incorrect manner can lead to broken brackets or wires, requiring both more visits to the orthodontist and paying more to fix them.
In general, neglecting oral care can prolong your orthodontic treatment and cause more issues that could leave you more than a regular at the dental clinic. To avoid such hassle, make sure you continue reading this blog, as it covers all that you need to know to ensure your braces journey is concluded with a healthy, confident smile.
How to Brush and Floss With Braces, And Which Type of Products Should You Use?
To ensure a thorough clean while wearing braces, follow this routine, recommended by specialists in the field, that helps protect your teeth, gums, and even your future smile:
Brushing
Start by using a soft toothbrush to clean all reachable surfaces of your teeth, including the gum line, the outer and inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces. Make sure you don’t brush too hard around the brackets and wires to prevent damaging the braces. For spots that can’t be reached using a regular toothbrush, use interdental brushes specially made for orthodontics. These brushes make cleaning around braces more efficient, reaching all the tough spots and preventing food from building up around and between metal parts.
Flossing
Braces can make flossing a little more challenging, but it’s essential to floss at least once a day to reach the spaces between your teeth. This step removes debris and prevents plaque buildup in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Special flossing tools, like floss threaders, could make it easier to get the floss around braces.
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