Braces are applied to the teeth to align and straighten them. They are devices that correct the position of the teeth, improve the appearance of the smile, keep the mouth healthy and perfect the pronunciation, so they are always worth wearing. However, if the correct cleaning techniques are not followed, tooth decay, gum infections and stains on the teeth can develop. Plaque and food accumulating on the appliance must be removed constantly. If you are wearing braces, this article will teach you the right methods to care for it and have a healthy mouth.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Brushing the Teeth
Step 1. Choose a toothbrush
While a regular toothbrush is also suitable, you should consider purchasing an electric or ultrasonic one, designed specifically for cleaning the wearer. These tools ensure better hygiene and save time.
- Choose a brush with an angled head and a brush that can reach your teeth between the various parts of the appliance. For example, the manufacturer Oral-B offers a very effective system of pipe cleaners with replaceable triangular heads.
- If you have decided to use an electric or ultrasonic toothbrush, know that it is very difficult to "maneuver" the brush head in your mouth when you are wearing the brace. In addition, the bristles are damaged more quickly, because they get stuck between the wires and the brackets.
- If you have opted for a regular toothbrush, the bristles should be angled up and down to thoroughly clean the teeth between the brackets.
- Remember that the teeth have different surfaces: the external one (near the cheeks or lips, the internal one (towards the tongue) and the crown (or chewing surface that faces downwards in the teeth of the upper arch, while in those of the lower jaw faces the palate.) You need to clean every part, so get a small, flexible toothbrush that you can move easily around your mouth.
Step 2. Brush the outside of the teeth
This is the front, which you see when you smile. Don't forget to remove the plaque that builds up along the gum line.
- It starts from the outer surface of the lower teeth. Bring the arches in contact with each other, move the toothbrush back and forth gradually over all teeth. Spit if necessary.
- Now clean the outside of your upper teeth. Always keep your arches closed and brush your upper teeth in gentle circular motions. Don't leave out any teeth.
- If you are using a regular toothbrush, you will need to angle it towards the gum line and upwards. This way you can detach food particles that have accumulated in the top and bottom of the appliance.
- Make circular movements to brush the stirrups. Spend 25-30 seconds on each one. You can also use a pipe cleaner to clean the top of these items. Most brackets have a small hole (very difficult to see), so move the pipe cleaner inside each of them.
Step 3. Brush the inside surface of the teeth
Move the toothbrush back and forth, up and down, then make circular movements to clean the entire inner side of both arches. When wearing braces, you should have no difficulty brushing the inside of your teeth, as there are generally no brackets on this surface.
Step 4. Clean the chewing surface
Turn the brush so that it is perpendicular to the interdental space. Rub the bristles back and forth, as well as in circular motions. This way you can be sure to clean any crevices that are difficult to reach and that could hide plaque and food debris.
Step 5. Focus on the other areas of the mouth
The human mouth is full of germs and plaque, which fuel inflammation such as gingivitis; for this reason you must not neglect the gums, the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. Before brushing these areas, spit into the sink if you feel the need.
- Take the toothbrush and move it very gently on the lower and upper gums.
- At the end of this operation, turn the instrument 180 ° and repeat the procedure inside the cheeks. This area is difficult to brush, so you can help yourself with the other hand; at the end he spits into the sink.
- Turn the toothbrush down, brush the gums and the soft tissue on which the tongue rests; clean under the tongue and then the palate.
- Finally, stick your tongue out and brush it. Remember to exhale through your mouth, otherwise you will gag. Spit and rinse both your mouth and your toothbrush.
Step 6. Check your teeth
See if they are clean; in case you notice traces of plaque or food, take the rinsed toothbrush again and eliminate any residue. If you feel like there is some residue left between your teeth, brush that area (however you like) to get rid of what you have forgotten.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Dental Floss and Rinse the Mouth
Step 1. Rinse your mouth
Before brushing your teeth, it's worth taking a sip of water for a quick rinse. At the end, spit and repeat the operation; in this way you eliminate some food particles. Once you are done using the toothbrush, you will need to rinse with water again.
When you replace the braces on the appliance, the pain you experience can be relieved with warm water, which also softens the bristles of the toothbrush
Step 2. Floss
This operation may seem very complicated due to the presence of the device. For this reason, you should consider sticks with a wire fork or water jet. These interdental cleaning tools are much quicker and easier to use than the classic floss, plus you can buy them in most supermarkets.
- Take a long segment of dental floss, wrap it around your finger and thread it into each gap between teeth. Bend the floss around each tooth instead of running it in a straight line. This way you can remove plaque that has built up at the base of the tooth.
- If you are using trim rods, it may be nearly impossible to get floss under them or under a double metal cord. For this reason, just push the floss down into the interdental space as described above. If you don't have trimming rods, it is a good idea to floss under the cables, as it is the safest way to clean your teeth and avoid gingivitis.
- Consider using a water jet, an electric tool that emits a jet of water and is very effective for those who wear braces. Its function is similar to that of the wire and eliminates plaque and residues from the cracks that the toothbrush is unable to reach.
Step 3. Use a mouthwash
After using dental floss, put a mouthful of mouthwash equal to a cap (or the amount indicated on the package) in your mouth and rinse your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Choose a specific product to get rid of gum inflammation.
- Fluoride mouthwashes are just as effective. They are able, in fact, to clean areas that the toothbrush is not able to reach and protect the teeth from decay.
- Try filling the tank of your electric toothbrush with mouthwash and water at the same proportions. This system allows the mouthwash to enter the crevices of the teeth.
- Spit out the mouthwash and do a quick rinse with warm water.
Step 4. Gargle with salt water twice a day
You should do this in the morning and evening. If you have lesions inside your mouth, salt water may cause a slight burning sensation, but it can prevent gingivitis.
Step 5. Rinse your toothbrush before and after brushing your teeth
The last thing you want is to "feed" the gum inflammation with bacteria and food debris left between the bristles. Always rinse your toothbrush with very hot water and run your finger across the bristles to get rid of any bits of food you may have forgotten last time.
- Set the toothbrush aside in an upright position, with the bristles up, so that they can air dry.
- To kill more germs, dip your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Smile
Step 1. Change your toothbrush regularly
You should change it every three months or even more often if the bristles wear out. When they appear frayed, they are unable to properly clean their teeth.
If you have a pipe cleaner, you will need to replace the brush head often. If the orthodontist does not provide you with spare parts, know that you can buy them at supermarkets and pharmacies. It is always worth taking one with you
Step 2. Pay attention to what you eat
The best way to protect your teeth is to avoid foods that damage them along with the braces.
- Don't eat hard or hard-to-chew foods, such as apples, toffee, candy, corn (by munching on the cob), hard pretzels, too hard bread, popcorn, nuts, pizza crust, hard cookies, carrots or bagels.
- Don't eat ice or chewing gum.
- Reduce or completely avoid sugars. Soft drinks and sugary foods eat away at the teeth and cause plaque to build up, which in turn triggers gingivitis.
Step 3. Eat a balanced diet
The vitamins and minerals you can get from a healthy diet, consisting of fiber, protein, healthy fats and some carbohydrates, allow you to fight and keep gum inflammation at bay. A healthy diet allows you to stay healthy, which is equally important. Try to consume nutritious, high-fiber foods, such as raspberries, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, squash, and soft fruits.
Step 4. Clean your teeth after every meal
It might seem like a nuisance, but it's a crucial detail! Gingivitis can develop in 48 hours due to poor hygiene (lack of brushing and flossing) or improper cleaning technique. If you don't brush your teeth after eating, you may end up with stains on your enamel when the braces are removed.
Step 5. Get regular cleaning at your dentist or orthodontist
You should go to the dentist at least once a year for a check-up and cleaning; if you have had problems in the past, such as bleeding and gum inflammation, you should see your doctor even more often. If you can, make an appointment after each tightening of the appliance. It is very likely that you will have a water jet cleaning, as the dental hygienist may have some difficulty moving the instruments around the appliance.
For patients with gingivitis, it is important that medical personnel use water instead of the scaler. Ask your dentist to use this during the cleaning procedure
Advice
- Brush all your teeth, you certainly don't want to end up with a white square on the tooth you haven't brushed!
- It takes patience to keep the device in good condition. Learn to appreciate its function and take care of it. Your smile really depends on him.
- When the appliance is pulled, use a baby toothbrush. It is a small tool, able to reach areas where a normal toothbrush cannot reach; it also has softer bristles that don't create much discomfort.
- Use a softer bristle toothbrush once the appliance has been pulled. You will experience much less pain!
- Do not use a toothpaste with whitening agents, otherwise darker areas will remain on the teeth when the braces are removed.
Warnings
- Brush your teeth gently but effectively. Braces and arched wires may seem sturdy, but they are actually quite fragile.
- Don't hurt your gums while brushing your teeth! If they typically bleed during normal oral hygiene, go to the dentist as you may be suffering from gingivitis.
- It is very important to follow your dentist's instructions to brush your teeth properly and keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
- Brush your teeth immediately after eating sugar-rich or dark-colored foods.
