Braces can help you achieve the straight smile you’ve always wanted. However, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene to maintain your teeth’s health and brightness as well. This includes both brushing and flossing diligently. Naturally, maneuvering around brackets and wires is more challenging than cleaning bare teeth. However, the following tools will help.

How to Keep Your Mouth Clean & Fresh With Braces

1. Interdental Brushes

Sometimes called “go-betweens,” interdental brushes look like small pipe cleaners or miniature toothbrushes with pointed, bristled ends (we call them “Christmas Tree” brushes). These tiny devices will allow you to dislodge food particles after every meal so they don't stick around and facilitate the growth of bacteria. And because they're available in a variety of sizes, you can use them to reach virtually every nook and cranny of your smile. 

2. Water or Air Flossers 

Water flossers use a thin stream of pressurized water to dislodge food particles and plaque. Air flossers work in the same manner, but with air. Such flossers are especially helpful for those with braces because they eliminate the need to weave traditional thread under the wire between each bracket. As such, they can reduce the total time it takes to floss considerably. 

3. Floss Threaders 

Floss threaders are thin lassos that make it easy to use traditional floss with braces. After stringing the floss through the eye, simply slip the threader under the wire and then floss as you normally would. Pull the floss out and repeat between the next two teeth. With a little practice, using a floss threader every night will eventually become second nature. 

If you or one of your children needs braces, turn to Delgado Orthodontics in North Richland Hills, TX. Serving families throughout Tarrant County, this orthodontic practice is proud to help adolescents, teens, and adults achieve the stunning smiles they've always wanted. For more than a decade, Dr. Michael Delgado and his friendly team have been providing comprehensive orthodontic care at his state-of-the-art facility. To schedule a free consultation, dial (817) 282-1821. Visit them online for more on their offerings.