Most children — and even many adults — wear braces to beautify their smiles. Braces function by using pressure in certain places to properly align your teeth. Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, understands how proper care is important for patients with braces, which is why their team is here to explain how to properly clean your braces every day to keep teeth healthy.

3 Steps to Properly Cleaning Your Braces

1. Rinse After Eating

Food can easily get stuck underneath your braces. However, it’s not expedient to brush your teeth after every meal, although that would be ideal. That’s why your dentist recommends rinsing your mouth out after eating because it removes many of the bigger food particles. It’s also a good idea to rinse with a mouthwash if you have it available.

2. Floss Once a Day

There is no substitute for flossing at least once a day. Using dental floss is the only way to reach some of those hidden areas between your teeth. While you’re wearing braces, you may need to switch to threader floss. Your dentist can show you how to do this properly.

3. Use a Proxy Brush or Interdental Brush

Your regular toothbrush can easily clean the surfaces of your teeth, but it can’t reach underneath the metal wires between the braces. It’s a good idea to purchase a proxy brush or interdental brush for this purpose. These types of brushes have thin, long heads that allow you to reach all the areas your toothbrush can’t get to.

Do you have any questions about caring for your braces? Give the staff at Family First Dentistry a call at (907) 562-2820. In addition to braces, they also offer other cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening treatments. You can learn more about the dental team online, and connect with them on Facebook.