It's always important to take proper care of your teeth, but it can be tough to do so when you have braces. The metal and wires may make it more challenging to reach certain areas in your mouth, leaving you prone to cavities and other issues even when you're brushing twice a day. Follow these steps to keep your smile as clean as possible.

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces

1. Start With a Rinse

Before brushing, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Swirling the water around in your mouth will help loosen bits of food that may be stuck between your teeth and the braces. Although you should try to avoid sticky or hard foods, these substances are more easily brushed away when you rinse first.

2. Brush Your Teeth

After taking off any elastic bands or other removable parts, start brushing your gums at a 45-degree angle, just as you would without braces. As you move down to brush your teeth, shift the bristles to a downward angle above the brackets, and an upward angle below the brackets. This will help the bristles brush more closely in the spaces between the brackets and your teeth.

3. Clean Wires & Brackets 

As you brush, be sure to pay attention to the parts of your braces, including the wires and brackets. If your dentist provided you with instructions on keeping these parts clean, follow them accurately. Failing to keep these components clean can cause dental problems and may require costly repairs or a full replacement.

4. Floss

While flossing between your teeth is always necessary, it becomes even more important when you're wearing corrective devices. Since you can't brush as thoroughly, flossing can help keep the areas between the teeth clean. You should also consider investing in a water pick, since focusing a high-pressure stream of water can force food particles out from hard to reach areas.

If you have any questions regarding your braces, or concerns that you may be developing a cavity beneath the brackets, contact Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A. in Thomasville, NC. This dental office provides the education and care necessary to help patients keep their teeth healthy. To explore the full range of services they offer, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 476-1109.