How to Keep Braces Clean

It’s very important to make sure that your braces and teeth are clean. Neglecting braces maintenance and cleaning can cause problems that can complicate your treatment.  Tooth decay may begin to set in, and this may actually delay your braces treatment. Decayed teeth can cause gum infections, and sore gums may increase the discomfort you feel with your braces. Failure to keep your braces clean may also set off a process called tooth densification in which mineral calcium is lost from the teeth. Decalcification can result in the formation of white spots on your teeth, and these may remain even after your braces have been removed.  

Keeping your braces clean actually involves a series of simple steps to be taken every day.

Brush and floss twice a day, or after every meal to get rid of food particles in between the teeth.  Use a floss threader. You can also use a proxy brush to remove food debris from your teeth.

It’s important to brush your teeth correctly. Brushing when you have braces can be different from brushing when you don’t have braces. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle, and brush between the wires and gums. Begin brushing from the upper teeth. Make sure that you concentrate on all teeth for the same amount of time. Once you finish brushing the exterior, move to the inside of the teeth and repeat the process. Rinse the mouth thoroughly, and check if any food debris is remaining on your braces by using a small mirror.

Floss between the wires, as well as under the braces. Finally rinse with a dentist-recommended mouthwash.  

Make use of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Your toothpaste must be able to control plaque, prevent the formation of cavities and keep gum disease at bay.

To make brushing easier and more effective, buy an electric toothbrush that can reach into the tiniest gaps and crevices between your braces. In fact, many dentists recommend first brushing within ordinary toothbrush for an overall cleaning, and then, following up with an electric tooth brush for a more detailed and complete clean.  

Cleaning your braces regularly is an important part of oral hygiene for braces wearers. Fixed braces are best cleaned with interdental brushes. These can be used to clean between the teeth and around the brackets. You will find these at your orthodontist, or he may recommend buying them at a chemist.

Removable appliances can be cleaned with a mix of baking soda and warm water. Clean the braces with an old toothbrush. Stand over a sink full of water while cleaning your braces, so that you don’t damage your braces even if you accidentally drop it. You can use toothpaste to clean removable braces. Make sure that you have a separate toothbrush that is meant to be used only for cleaning braces. After brushing your braces clean of food debris, rinse with clean water and dry.