How to clean around braces
Cleaning around braces and between teeth can be challenging, but it's crucial for maintaining oral health during orthodontic treatment. Braces are orthodontic devices used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, consisting of brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires and sometimes bands. Cleaning teeth with braces is challenging because the brackets and wires create numerous small spaces that trap food particles and plaque, making it difficult to clean thoroughly with a standard toothbrush and floss. This complexity increases the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, necessitating meticulous and specialized oral hygiene practices, such as using interdental brushes and floss threaders, to maintain oral health during orthodontic treatment.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it effectively:
Regular Brushing with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped bristle pattern that fits around the braces.
Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, then above and below the brackets, spending extra time in these areas.
Be gentle to avoid damaging the wires and brackets.
Using an Interdental Brush:
An interdental brush is excellent for cleaning between braces and under wires. It helps remove plaque and food particles in areas your regular toothbrush can't reach.
Gently insert the brush between the wire and your teeth, and move it back and forth.
Flossing with Orthodontic Floss or a Floss Threader:
Flossing is essential but can be tricky with braces. Use waxed floss or a floss threader to get the floss under the wire.
Gently move the floss up and down the sides of both teeth and under the gum line.
Superfloss, which has a stiff end to thread the floss under the wire, can also be beneficial.
Using a Water Flosser:
Water flossers are a great alternative or addition to traditional flossing. They use a stream of water to clean between teeth and around braces.
Aim the water stream along the gum line and around the brackets and wires.
Rinsing with an Antiseptic Mouthwash:
Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings:
Regular visits to the dentist and orthodontist are crucial. They can provide professional cleaning and check for any issues.
Diet Considerations:
Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods that can damage braces.
Limit sugary and starchy foods that can lead to plaque buildup.
Consistency and Patience:
Maintaining oral hygiene with braces requires consistency and patience. Spend extra time each day to ensure thorough cleaning.
Having braces complicates oral hygiene due to the following reasons:
Increased Areas for Plaque Accumulation: Braces, with their brackets, wires, and bands, create numerous additional nooks and crannies in which food particles can get trapped and plaque can build up. This makes it harder to clean teeth effectively.
Difficulty in Brushing and Flossing: The presence of braces impedes the normal brushing and flossing routine. Maneuvering around wires and brackets can be challenging, and it's harder to reach all tooth surfaces and gum lines.
Limited Food Choices: Certain foods (like sticky or hard items) are off-limits with braces, as they can get stuck or damage the braces. This dietary change can impact oral hygiene habits and effectiveness.
The ramifications of not maintaining proper oral hygiene with braces include:
Decalcification: This refers to the formation of white spots on the teeth where brackets were attached. These spots are areas where minerals have been leached out of the enamel due to prolonged acid exposure from plaque buildup. Decalcification spots are often permanent and can lead to aesthetic concerns.
Tooth Decay and Cavities: Plaque accumulation around brackets can lead to tooth decay. The areas around the brackets are particularly susceptible because they are harder to clean, allowing plaque and bacteria to thrive.
Gum Disease: Poor oral hygiene with braces can also lead to gum problems like gingivitis and periodontitis. The gums can become swollen, red, and prone to bleeding, and in severe cases, this can affect the underlying bone and tooth stability.
Bad Breath: Accumulation of food particles and plaque can result in halitosis, or chronic bad breath.
Overall Treatment Delay: Poor oral hygiene can delay orthodontic treatment progress. In severe cases of decay or gum disease, braces may need to be removed temporarily to address these issues, prolonging the treatment duration.
Therefore, it's crucial for individuals with braces to follow a meticulous oral hygiene routine, including the use of specialized cleaning tools like interdental brushes, floss threaders, and fluoride rinses, and to maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
Remember, the effort you put into cleaning your teeth and braces is crucial for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and ensuring a beautiful smile once the braces come off.
