If you weren’t one of those lucky people who naturally developed a perfectly straight smile, you aren’t completely out of luck. Braces are available to shift your teeth into their rightful locations to improve the appearance and function of your smile! During this time, it is especially important that you keep your smile clean, but it can be challenging to work around the metal brackets and wires in your mouth. Continue reading to learn about the best way to brush and floss your teeth with braces!
How to Floss Your Teeth with Braces
Flossing can be tricky when you’re working around the metal wires attached to your teeth, but once you get the hang of it, it will be easy! Just use the following steps:
- Cut a piece of floss that is at least 18 inches long. This way, you can use a clean area of the string between each tooth.
- Thread your floss up or down through the space between your teeth and the wire. Don’t pull on it or else you can damage it.
- Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers so it’s stretched between your teeth and you can move it with ease.
- Gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth. Curve it around your tooth in a “C” shape.
- Remove the floss from your fingers and gently unthread it.
- Move on to the next space and repeat!
How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces
Food can get stuck around your braces, so it’s important to be extra thorough when brushing. Use the following steps:
- Before brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to help loosen any food debris that’s around your brackets and wires.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, brush on the gumline at a 45-degree angle.
- Place the toothbrush on the top of the brackets. Angle down to brush the top of each one.
- Slowly brush the bottom of the bracket and wire, angling the toothbrush up.
- Brush every tooth at the gum line and above and below the brackets to clear away food debris and plaque.
Tips for Keeping Your Smile Clean
It’s important to take extra steps to keep your smile fresh when you have braces. Here are something that can help:
- It is best to brush your teeth after every meal when you have braces. Foods can easily get stuck in your braces and wreak havoc on the teeth and gums.
- Choose your food and drinks carefully. Some foods you enjoy may not be so easy to eat when you wear braces. Stay away from items that are too hard or sticky.
- Use mouthwash! This will help to rinse away food debris and give your mouth some extra freshness.
- Go to all your appointments! This will help to ensure that your treatment is on track. Your orthodontist can also give you some pointers on what you can do better when brushing and flossing.
By using the tips listed above and closely following the instructions of your orthodontist, you can keep your smile clean, healthy, and on track. You’ll be showing off a straighter smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Blair Struble earned her dental doctorate from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Afterward, she spent her time in Seattle pursuing her Master of Science in dentistry and certification in orthodontics at the University of Washington. She is currently a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, the Central Oregon Dental Society, and the American Board of Orthodontics, of which she is a board-certified Diplomate! For more information on braces or to schedule an appointment at her office in Bend, visit her website or call (541) 848-6642.