By Elara Orthodontics Cleaning and caring for braces is an important part of proper dental care. Braces are metal devices attached to the teeth to correct uneven positioning and crowding of teeth. Learning how to clean braces is important, as bacteria and food can easily get stuck on them.
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How often Shall I Clean My Braces
Brush your teeth twice a day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride for cleaning kids braces. The brush covers all surfaces and spaces when cleaning braces. However, you must be careful not to apply too much pressure as you risk loosening the wiring.
Use an oral tool
Tools such as an interdental brush can be effective for cleaning braces. Therefore, Make sure to use short and circular motions around each wire to remove particles. It is also possible to clean your braces by using braces cleaning tablets, which are readily available and dissolve in water.
Flossing and rinsing your braces once a day
Flossing enables you to reach the places between your teeth that the toothbrush and oral tool cannot reach. You may use Interdental brushes as their small head enables them to pass through the wires.
A water pick
A water pick is a handheld device that produces a pressurized water jet to clean hard-to-reach places in the mouth. You can also use a saltwater solution with a water pick, as it is a great way to remove plaque from the crevices.
Regular visits to the dentist
Visit a dentist for cleaning your Braces to reduce the risk of decay and gum diseases. Besides, the dentist can advise you on cleaning braces. Browse for an “orthodontist near me” to get started. Elara Orthodontics is one of the best orthodontist in Richmond to visit.
What are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic treatment option to correct teeth or jaw misalignment. They consist of metal brackets, wires, and bands attached to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position over time. They mostly treat crookedness, bite problems, crowding of the teeth, or issues caused by a missing tooth.
The history of braces dates back to medieval times in Europe when they used metal bands to improve dental conditions. However, it took until the 1840s to develop modern braces. They were made from silver pieces connected by a rubber band, making them look like horseshoes. In the 1950s, scientists introduced modern-day braces made with stainless steel. More comfortable plastic brackets and materials later replaced traditional metal braces.
To begin the orthodontic treatment, search for “orthodontist near me.” After an examination, he will attach the brackets to the teeth and the metal wires to the brackets. That will create tension, allowing the braces to slowly move the teeth into the desired position. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, the best orthodontist in Richmond will treat you for a few years.
What are The Benefits of Cleaning Braces Regularly?
Improved Oral Health
Braces are directly in contact with the teeth, gums, tongue, and lips throughout the day. Thus, when food sticks to them, it leads to plaque and tartar accumulation, increasing the risk of cavities. Cleaning kids braces can help remove plaque and improve oral health.
Reduced Risk of Gum Disease
Food particles and bacteria can accumulate around the braces and gums, leading to red and swollen gum tissue. Therefore, regular professional cleaning of braces reduces the risk of gum disease by removing any trapped particles.
Reduced Risk of Infection
Particles that accumulate on braces can lead to infection if left untreated. As a result, consistent professional cleaning of the braces will lower the risk of infection.
Reduced Dental Visits
Regularly cleaning braces can help reduce the number of dental visits required to maintain the braces. Hence, correct care can prevent any problem from occurring first.
Improved Appearance
Braces can attract food particles, debris, and bacteria, making them visibly dirty. Therefore, regularly cleaning braces at orthodontist can help improve their appearance and overall aesthetic.
Quicker Treatment
Accumulated bacteria on your braces can slow down dental treatment as they can impede the movement of teeth. Consequently, the treatment time increases. By regularly cleaning braces, this problem can be significantly reduced, leading to quicker treatment outcomes.
Avoid Staining
Braces can quickly become discolored if not cleaned regularly. Regularly cleaning braces can help prevent any staining from occurring.
Better Breath
Many people experience bad breath because of the accumulation of food particles on braces. Cleaning braces regularly can help prevent this from becoming an issue.
Improved Comfort
Food particles and bacteria accumulation can make it uncomfortable to wear braces as they cause friction and irritate the gums and other parts of the mouth. Regularly cleaning braces at orthodontist can help improve comfort levels and make them more pleasant to wear.
Cost Savings
Regularly cleaning braces can help reduce the need for corrective dental work and dietary visits. This reduced number of visits could lead to cost savings over the braces treatment.
Guidelines for Cleaning Braces.
Firstly, use a fluoride rinse to cleaning kids braces. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth, which is especially beneficial if you’re wearing braces. You should ensure to rinse with mouthwash at least once a day.
You should also pay attention to any areas of your braces that appear dull or discolored. That could indicate a buildup of plaque or calculus and should be taken care of immediately. You can lightly brush the affected areas with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to remove the buildup. Moreover, you can also use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning and caring for braces. You can use a toothbrush with toothpaste if the plaque is particularly stubborn.
You can also use an orthodontic wax. During your treatment, you may sometimes experience pain due to poking wires. When this occurs, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the poking wire and to help keep your mouth comfortable.
In addition, you may use a water irrigator for cleaning kids braces. Water irrigators do more than eliminate bacteria. They can also help remove any food particles stuck in your braces. For that reason, run the water irrigator over the braces to soften and remove any food particles.
Moreover, keep in mind what and when you eat. Certain food, such as hard candies and gum, are bad for braces, and you should avoid them. Soft foods such as pasta, noodles, and yogurt are much easier to eat and won’t interfere with the braces.
Lastly, wear a protective mouthguard if necessary. If you play contact sports, wear a mouth guard over your braces to avoid dental trauma.
What Should You Consider When Choosing The Right Toothbrush?
The last thing you want is to damage them or leave food caught between the wires of your braces. The following factors will help you to choose the right toothbrush for cleaning braces at home.
Soft bristles
This is the biggest factor you should consider, as the metal wires on your braces can easily scratch the enamel on your teeth. Therefore, avoid a toothbrush with too-hard bristles while cleaning and caring for braces.
Small head
Although it is important to brush your entire mouth, small areas can be difficult to reach with braces. Consequently, a toothbrush with a smaller head can help you get into all those nooks and crannies.
Bumpers or built-in rubber edging
These are a must, as they help protect the wires on your braces from being scratched or rubbed too hard.
Built-in orthodontic bristles
These bristles are specifically designed for cleaning braces at home and are a perfect size for getting into all the small spaces.
Tongue cleaner
It will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth and keep your breath fresher for longer.
Right size handle
A handle that is the right size for your hand is important for a good brushing technique. A wrong size can cause your hand to tire easily or not be able to reach hard-to-reach places effectively.
Easy to maintain
Cleaning and caring for braces require a toothbrush that is easy to keep clean and free of bacteria. Avoid brushes with intricate details when cleaning braces.
Durable
Choose a toothbrush made from durable material that doesn’t splay easily. That is so because you will have to replace it after every three months.
Price
You can go for a toothbrush that is budget friendly but does not compromise quality.
Comfort
Make sure you’ve chosen a toothbrush that feels comfortable in your hand, making your brushing routine much easier.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Cleaning Braces Regularly?
The most common risk of cleaning braces is developing a sore or irritated gum line. With the braces close to the teeth and gums, using a hard toothbrush can irritate the gums. As a result, you may erode the enamel on the teeth. Additionally, harsh chemicals in some cleaners can aggravate the already large dental flosses. Using the wrong technique to brush braces can cause more damage than good. Thus, it is important to practice proper cleaning and caring for braces. Therefore, you can visit a dentist for cleaning your braces.
On the other hand, not cleaning braces at all can lead to a variety of complications. Bacteria increases and causes decay as food particles accumulate along the braces. In addition, the overall hygiene of the mouth can suffer and lead to bad breath and gum disease.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean braces is essential to keeping the teeth and mouth healthy. It is best to stick to a daily and thorough routine to reduce the risks associated with cleaning braces. That should include brushing at least twice daily, flossing once daily, and rinsing with mouthwash every evening. It is also important to replace toothbrushes every three to four months as the bristles can become frayed. In addition, you can visit Elara Orthodontics for the professional cleaning of braces.