How Do I Keep My Braces Clean?

blogWearing braces is a big responsibility. If you don’t keep them clean, you’ll end up with big problems on your hands – or on your smile, we should say!

Letting dental plaque and food debris collect around your braces can result in problems such as:

  • Gum inflammation
  • Cavities
  • Tooth staining
  • Acid erosion of tooth enamel
  • Bad breath

If your children have braces, their smiles are just as prone to these problems.

Braces in themselves do not cause these complications. The problem is that they just provide extra surface area in your mouth for bacteria to gather on. Orthodontia is not meant to be a permanent fixture. But even the relatively short amount of time they are in your mouth could be long enough for damage to happen.

So how do you avoid these problems and keep your appliances as clean as possible?

Brush Frequently

While wearing braces, it may be necessary to brush more often than usual. It’s a great idea to rinse and brush after every time you eat. Your brackets easily host acidic food residue and bacteria long after you’re done eating.

Use a Variety of Tools

A toothbrush just might not cut it! At your appointments, you can talk with us about which tools and products are best for you.

Some of these may include:

  • Special types of flossers
  • Powered toothbrush
  • Water flosser
  • Flossing aids/threaders

Keep Your Appointments!

Putting off your appointments for checkups, adjustments, and cleanings will only prolong your treatment time. Promptly coming for all of your appointments will help us to make sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy while you’re in braces.

Avoid Sticky Foods

Some foods are bad enough for your teeth, but even worse when you have braces. Doughy carbohydrates, refined sugars, gummy candy, and sweetened drinks all contribute to sticky harmful plaque. These foods contain acids that weaken tooth enamel. This results in cavities and discoloration.

Find out more about how good hygiene enhances the benefits of braces. Schedule your consultation with Brackets Wires and Smiles in Vista, CA today!