If you’re wondering how to clean braces the right way, you’ll be delighted to find that it’s not a complicated process at all. Dental health doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult as long as you have been given the right advice.
But sadly, braces don’t usually come with a manual. Below, we’ll give you a brief overview on why you should clean your braces, and how you can do so with ease.
Why Is Cleaning Braces Important
If you’re wearing braces, you’ll have to clean them regularly to maintain your oral health. While braces can help straighten your teeth, improving their aesthetics and function, they could also be harbouring all kinds of nasty stuff in your mouth. Cleaning your braces regularly can help get rid of all the food residue, biofilm, and acids which can significantly tarnish your teeth and gums.
Doing this will also significantly diminish the chances of developing dental diseases, cavities, and tooth decay.
Not cleaning your braces could disturb or degrade the wires and hooks, which could diminish the function of your braces and cause an abundance of issues in the long run. It could also significantly worsen your breath, which is not only embarrassing – it can be a sign of poor oral health.
How to Clean Braces & Retainers
While keeping your braces clean can be tricky, with the right tools and methods, you can ensure that your mouth is as clean as possible. Below, we’ll give you some essential tips for cleaning your braces and retainers for perfect oral health.
1. Use the Right Tools
If you’re wearing braces, you’ll need a soft-bristled toothbrush that you’re comfortable using. You can use both electric or regular, as long as the bristles are soft. Aside from the right toothbrush, you’ll need to get the proper toothpaste and mouthwash to ensure you’re doing a bang-up job.
2. Proper Tooth Brushing Etiquette
When you’re brushing your teeth, you’ll need to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to take your time and brush everywhere. Another thing to make sure is to use the right amount of toothpaste – more doesn’t necessarily mean better.
3. Be mindful of what you eat
If you’re wearing braces or a retainer, there would be some limitations to what you can and can’t eat. Always follow your orthodontist’s directions and don’t eat anything you’re not supposed to as it could ultimately harm you.
How Do I Keep My Braces Clean After Eating
Get into the habit of cleaning your braces after each meal. If possible, you should brush after every meal or at least gargle with mouthwash or salt water.
Can I Use Floss?
Dental flossing is also a fantastic tool for oral health and hygiene, but it isn’t as easy to use for those with braces. If you’re going to use floss to clean your teeth, be very careful not to disturb any of the wires or hooks in your braces.
Final Thoughts
Taking a proactive approach to your dental health is one of the best things you can do, and doing so is as easy as working with Smile Team! We have locations across Sydney at Wollongong, Shellharbour, Southern Highlands, and Parramatta! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
