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If you’ve got new braces, you may be wondering how to care for them. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene routines to keep teeth and braces clean. Follow the tips below for a healthy smile while wearing orthodontic gear.

How to Keep Teeth Clean When You Have Braces

1. Brush Properly

While brushing regularly and well is always critical, it’s especially important to do so when you have braces because food particles are more easily trapped in hardware. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, make sure to start with a clean, soft-bristled brush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Clean both the backs and fronts of teeth, as well as chewing surfaces. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water to help remove food. 

2. Get the Right Floss

bracesFlossing can be logistically challenging with braces. Consider interdental brushes, which are small and flexible, and can fit easily under wires and between teeth. Or, use a floss threader to help guide the floss under the wires. For best results, rinse your mouth, floss, then brush. Do this after every meal if possible, or twice per day.

3. Use a Mouth Rinse

Ask the orthodontist about a fluoride or medicated mouth rinse. Medicated rinses help control inflammation and help prevent against infection, while fluoride gives an extra boost to combat decay. 

4. Don’t Over-Brush

It isn’t necessary to scrub your teeth vigorously, with or without braces. A gentle up and down motion for three minutes is sufficient to keep tooth surfaces clean. Electric brushes usually have timed settings to help you brush for the proper amount of time.

5. Avoid Whiteners

Whitening products and toothpastes work on the exposed surface of the tooth. Since you won’t be able to access the surface under the brackets, you could find that teeth are an uneven color when orthodontia is removed. 

 

Keeping teeth clean with braces is easy if you follow the above dental routine. The experts at Oahu Dental Care, serving Pearl City and Honolulu, HI, are general dentistry experts on the island of Oahu. They also provide cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dentures, implants, braces, and Invisalign. Call (808) 456-5005 in Pearl City or (808) 732-2821 in Honolulu to make an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about staff and services. 

 

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