Taking care of braces will demand extra effort. Think of braces like a strong iron gate. An iron gate looks visually appealing until the time it retains its color and texture. But the moment you stop taking care of it, it won’t seem like the iron gate you once spent a fortune on. And no matter how amazing your home looks from within, it’s still the huge gate people will notice the first.

It’s the same with your braces. The once perfect-looking metal braces will start looking dull and dirty once they have food particles and bacteria stuck on them. Life with braces is a struggle only if you let it be one. Remember that if you’re complacent with cleaning your braces, you will have to make back-and-forth visits to the orthodontist. Add to that the delay in retainers after braces.

So here’s what you need to know about keeping braces clean and maintaining a healthy mouth.

Brushing with braces

There often is a plaque and bacteria around the bands and brackets. Your objective should be to thoroughly remove all of it. Keep your brushed angled at approximately 45 degrees downward and upwards. Make small circular motions while you move the brush forward and backward. Also, make sure you remove the elastic bands before you brush your teeth

Flossing with Braces

Pass the floss threader up between two teeth. And slide the floss back and forth several times, cleaning the surfaces of these teeth. Make sure you also clean below the upper and lower gumline. This way you will eliminate every possible plaque buildup. While you are at it, make sure you are gentle so that you don’t snap the floss or damage the wires.

How Often Should You Clean Teeth with Braces?

Cleaning with braces is a bit of a responsibility. It’s not just a thirty-second brush or floss. Instead, it’s an angular brushing technique that helps you eliminate plaque and bacteria buildup. Certain foods you eat are chewy. These food pieces easily stick onto your braces making brushing all the more important. Try to pick your meals wisely so that you leave little to no opportunity for plaque and bacteria to seek solace.

What Happens If You Do Not Clean Your Braces?

Decalcification: If you are not extra careful about cleaning with braces, your teeth will sustain permanent stains around braces that often look like white stains. These marks and spots result in permanent stains so it’s best that you take preventive measures right from the beginning. Make sure you brush regularly and thoroughly to get rid of marks and spots. Brush in between meals to remove food particles. Remember to replace your toothbrush at regular intervals.
Plaque: Plaque buildup is a common problem that results from poorly cleaned teeth. Plaque teeth also attract bad bacteria to feed on food particles and eventually eat into the enamel. In worst cases, it leads to bad breath, causes stains, and discoloration.
Enamel Issues: Not cleaning your teeth regularly only attracts plaque and bacteria to eat into your teeth. In some cases, teeth may sustain holes or craters if the enamel is already weak.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Maybe you won’t experience pain, but you will notice swollen, red or bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth. In this stage, your gums will recede, leading to tooth loss. If care is not taken, it can advance to Periodontitis and patient will need to get a deep cleaning.

A braces treatment is more than just a teeth alignment procedure. It’s also an opportunity to step up your oral hygiene game and eating habits. Taking up the tips we’ve suggested only takes you one step closer to a bright and healthy smile. You will be required to pay visits to your orthodontist every six months for a professional cleaning and minor adjustments in your braces.

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Schedule a Free No Obligtion Consultation

During your consultation, you will receive a free Periodontal Evaluation By one of Our Specialist Dentist who will assess you and also discuss your treatment plan with you. You will also receive a free Panoramic X-ray scan of your teeth, which gives the doctor a more in-depth look to develop a plan to give you the best results possible.