Keep Your Teeth Clean with Regular Brushing
Braces are a big investment—and not just in money! It takes effort and dedication to care for your teeth while you are going through orthodontic treatment. What a shame it would be to spend thousands of dollars and many months wearing braces, only to take them off and find that your teeth are now scarred and discolored as a result of improper oral hygiene.
Braces create lots of small nooks and crannies for food deposits to hide in. If that food is not completely and thoroughly removed, a thick plaque can form on the teeth and gums. The plaque-forming bacteria in your teeth thrive on the sugars in food, and release acids that attack tooth enamel and gum tissue, causing bad breath, gingivitis (gum disease—marked by swollen, puffy, red, overgrown, or bleeding gums), and tooth decay. Plaque can even develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth.
The good news is that with proper care, you can keep the enemy—plaque—from ruining your teeth. The first step is to BRUSH often and well! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Plan on spending several minutes, several times a day, taking care of your teeth. Remember, you are making an investment! Use small circular, vibrating motions, making sure to brush each surface of every tooth in your mouth, including the areas above, below and between each brace:
- Start with the outside of the teeth, with the brush at a straight angle.
- Brush the area between your gums and braces. Place the toothbrush at an angle so that you feel the bristles under your gum line and can get under the brackets; angle down for the upper teeth, up for the lower teeth.
- Clean under the braces and the rest of your teeth by angling the brush up to reach your upper teeth and down to reach your lower teeth.
- Brush the chewing surface of your teeth. Move the brush back and forth, careful to reach those back teeth!
- Finish by brushing the inside of the teeth.
After you are finished, rinse your mouth out with water. Your orthodontist may also recommend an antiseptic and/or fluoride rinse.
You should brush your teeth properly after every meal and snack. Always keep extra toothbrushes handy—take them with you to school or work! You will also need to replace your toothbrush more often—the braces will make it wear out quicker—so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray.
Be sure to read Part II: How to Floss + Extra Tips
