Caring For Your Teeth With Braces

ToothbrushThere’s no doubt that neglecting your oral health can lead to serious problems. That’s why dental professionals devote ample amounts of time and energy educating patients about the importance of regular dental care and good oral care at home. Yet, with tiny crevices, as well as brackets, wires, elastic bands and other appliances, the level of care and responsibility is far greater when an individual has braces. Thus, to better understand how to care for your teeth with braces, continue reading below.

OralB provides the basics, which prove to be a simple and effective twist on daily brushing and flossing with braces. For instance, to prepare for brushing, it’s best to remove any and all elastic bands and parts. As recommended with regular brushing, it’s best to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle as you begin to clean each bracket. Dentists suggest brushing from the top of the wire to the bottom of the wire, with small gentle strokes. It’s also best to clean each bracket and tooth separately.

When it comes to flossing, it is important to consult your dentist or orthodontist on the proper way to floss with braces. This might include threader floss, an ortho pick or other product. In addition, a water pick helps flush bacteria and food debris away from brackets and wires. Once teeth are brushed and the mouth is rinsed, it’s a good idea to carefully examine your teeth once more.

While the above-mentioned suggestions are effective for cleaning teeth with braces, it’s important to understand that there are other methods that might work best for you. From electric toothbrushes to advanced toothpastes, wire cleaners and a multitude of flossing tools, the key is determining which products and techniques will help you do the best job cleaning your teeth.

Personalized Dental And Orthodontic Care

When it comes to achieving a straighter smile, Dr. Henry Ernst at Pleasant Plains Dental understands that maintaining good oral care with braces is vital, yet difficult for some patients. That’s why Dr. Ernst and the team provide patients with personalized dental and orthodontic care that gives them what they need—options. If you need braces or if you have braces, but you are not sure that you are cleaning your teeth properly, call Pleasant Plains Dental today.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Henry J. Ernst, Pleasant Plains Dental