How To Take Care of Your Teeth When You Have Braces
Braces can make eating quite the challenge. You may feel that you get plaque on your teeth in a matter of minutes, and cleaning around the brackets is no easy task. In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy while you are wearing braces, you must take a little extra diligence in cleaning your teeth regularly. This includes brushing after every meal, using a water flosser, using a mouth rinse and visiting your orthodontist Forest Hills NY regularly.
Brush After Every Meal
While you were probably able to get by with brushing twice a day before you started orthodontics, you may find that is not enough now. It is wise to brush your teeth after eating anything so that plaque cannot stick to the brackets for long. If you are unable to brush after every meal, at least try to rinse with water or a mouth rinse.
Use a Water Flosser
Flossing with wires around brackets is a real inconvenience. However, there are easier ways now. You can use a water flosser to get to those hard-to-reach areas. You can also use special oral hygiene aids that help facilitate flossing around an ortho wire.
Use a Mouthrinse
Once you loosen the plaque from your teeth with your toothbrush and flosser, use a mouth rinse to wash it all away. The brackets attract any type of plaque that is in your mouth, so be sure that you are thoroughly cleansing.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
You need to visit your orthodontist on a routine basis. Do not cancel appointments except for true emergencies, as it is important that you stay on schedule with your treatment.
While it takes a little extra effort to have a healthy mouth when you have braces, it is not impossible. Follow these easy steps to make a healthy smile a reality throughout orthodontic treatment.
