Now Open on Saturdays
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile! While your braces are hard at work straightening your teeth, it’s important to give your smile a little extra attention every day.
Brackets and wires create additional places for food particles and plaque to collect, making good oral hygiene more important than ever. Fortunately, with the right habits and a consistent routine, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Here are some simple oral hygiene tips to help you care for your smile while wearing braces.
Brushing your teeth with braces requires a little extra time and attention, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your smile during orthodontic treatment.
One of the best habits you can develop while wearing braces is brushing after every meal or snack whenever possible.
A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums while still effectively removing plaque. Many patients also find that an electric toothbrush makes it easier to clean around brackets and wires.
Aim to brush for at least two minutes each time. Be sure to brush:
Taking the time to clean every surface will help remove plaque before it has a chance to build up.
Like brushing, consistent flossing is an important part of your braces care routine.
With or without braces, flossing your teeth should be a part of your daily routine. Since your toothbrush can’t reach every space between your teeth, flossing each day helps remove plaque and food particles from the areas where they’re most likely to hide.
Helpful tools for flossing with braces include:
Keep in mind that while a water flosser can be a great addition to your routine, it shouldn’t replace traditional flossing entirely. Cleaning between your teeth every day helps remove plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and can reduce your risk of cavities while wearing braces.
We recommend choosing a fluoride toothpaste for daily brushing, and consider adding an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash to your routine if recommended by your dental provider. This extra step can help protect your teeth while keeping your mouth feeling fresh.
Busy schedules don’t have to get in the way of good oral hygiene. Consider keeping a small orthodontic care kit in your backpack, purse, or car with the following items:
If you can’t brush right away, rinsing your mouth with water after eating can help wash away food particles until you’re able to brush.
Even though you’re visiting your orthodontist regularly, it’s still important to maintain routine dental checkups and cleanings. Your general dentist helps monitor the health of your teeth and gums while your orthodontist focuses on moving your teeth into proper alignment. Together, they help keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.
Your scheduled adjustment appointments are an important part of your treatment plan. These visits allow orthodontists like Dr. Dyer to:
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire is causing discomfort, contact us so we can advise you on the next steps.
Braces make it easier for plaque and food debris to become trapped around your teeth. If those areas aren’t cleaned thoroughly, plaque can build up and increase your risk of:
The healthier your teeth and gums stay during treatment, the better your smile will look when your braces come off.
Braces are an investment in your smile, and taking care of your teeth throughout treatment is one of the best ways to protect that investment. By brushing carefully, flossing daily, and keeping up with your regular appointments, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, confident smile.
If you have questions about caring for your braces or you’re considering orthodontic treatment, the team at Dyer Orthodontics is here to help. We proudly serve families throughout the Birmingham area from our Meadowbrook and Mountain Brook locations with personalized orthodontic care in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
