Braces Maintenance: How to Keep Your Teeth and Braces Clean

If you've recently received braces or are considering orthodontic treatment, one of the most important aspects of your journey is learning how to properly care for your braces and keep your teeth clean. At our dental clinic in North Edmonton, we emphasize that proper maintenance is key to achieving the best results and maintaining optimal oral health throughout your treatment.

Braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging, but with the right approach, you can ensure your teeth and braces stay clean and healthy during your orthodontic journey. Here's a comprehensive guide to braces maintenance that will help you avoid common issues like plaque buildup, cavities, and gum problems.

Why Proper Braces Maintenance Matters

Braces work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth over time, gradually shifting them into their desired positions. While this process is highly effective for achieving a straight, beautiful smile, it can also create new challenges when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene.

Food particles and plaque can accumulate around brackets, wires, and bands, making it more difficult to clean your teeth properly. If you don't maintain proper hygiene, it can lead to:

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Discolored teeth or white spots around the brackets

To ensure that your orthodontic treatment is successful and your smile stays healthy, you must establish a consistent cleaning routine.

The Basics of Brushing with Braces

When you have braces, your brushing routine becomes more important than ever. Follow these steps to properly brush your teeth:

1. Use the Right Toothbrush: Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, which will allow you to reach all areas of your mouth more easily. Some people prefer electric toothbrushes with orthodontic heads, which can provide a deeper clean.

2. Brush After Every Meal: Food can get trapped in your braces, so it’s essential to brush your teeth after every meal or snack. This helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your teeth clean throughout the day.

3. Angle Your Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle circular motions. Be sure to brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the top, bottom, and around the brackets.

4. Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste, as it helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel, which is essential when you're wearing braces.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing is a critical part of braces maintenance. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the brackets, areas that your toothbrush can't reach effectively. Here's how to floss with braces:

• Use a Floss Threader: A floss threader is a small tool that helps you thread dental floss behind the wires of your braces. Gently pull the floss between each tooth, making sure to go up and down around the bracket to remove food and plaque.

• Consider Orthodontic Floss: There are special types of floss designed for braces, such as orthodontic floss, which is thicker and can slide under the wire more easily.

• Floss at Least Once a Day: Ideally, you should floss once a day to keep your teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup.

Other Tips for Braces Maintenance

1. Rinse with Mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your mouth feeling fresh. Look for mouthwashes that are alcohol-free to prevent dry mouth and irritation around your braces.

2. Avoid Certain Foods: Some foods can damage your braces or get stuck in them, making it harder to clean. Avoid sticky foods like caramel, chewing gum, and hard candies. Also, stay away from crunchy foods like popcorn, which can break wires or brackets.

3. Regular Orthodontic Checkups: Regular visits to your dentist in North Edmonton and orthodontist are essential for making sure your braces are properly adjusted and that your oral health is on track. Your orthodontist can check for any signs of plaque buildup, tooth decay, or gum issues.

4. Use an Interdental Brush: An interdental brush, or proxabrush, is a small brush that can help clean between the wires and brackets. It’s especially useful for hard-to-reach areas and can be a great addition to your cleaning routine.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile Throughout Your Treatment

Proper maintenance of your braces and teeth is crucial to getting the best results from your orthodontic treatment. While it may take some time to get used to brushing and flossing with braces, the effort will pay off when you achieve a straight, healthy smile.

If you’re in need of assistance with your braces care, or if you’re looking for expert advice, our dental clinic in North Edmonton offers comprehensive orthodontic services to help you every step of the way. We can provide you with personalized tips for maintaining your braces and ensure that your treatment stays on track.

Final Thoughts

Braces maintenance requires a bit more effort than regular oral care, but it’s well worth it for the long-term health of your teeth and gums. By following the right brushing, flossing, and cleaning techniques, you’ll keep your teeth and braces in top shape and be on your way to the perfect smile.

If you’re looking for expert care, don’t hesitate to contact us at our dental clinic in North Edmonton for a consultation or to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you navigate your orthodontic journey and ensure that you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.