Having braces can be an exciting and transformative experience, but it also requires extra care and attention to maintain proper oral hygiene. Whether you’re in braces for a few months or a few years, cleaning and maintaining them is crucial to achieving the best results. Poor oral hygiene with braces can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay and even gum disease. At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics in Austin, TX, we want to make sure you have the right tools and knowledge to keep your braces and your smile in top condition.
Here’s a guide to the top products for cleaning and maintaining your braces effectively.
Top Products for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Braces
Orthodontic Toothbrush
A regular toothbrush may not be enough to clean all the areas around your braces. That’s where an orthodontic toothbrush comes in. These are some of the most important products for cleaning and maintaining your braces, designed specifically for people with braces, featuring a unique shape and bristle arrangement that helps clean around the brackets, wires and between the teeth. The small, V-shaped head of an orthodontic toothbrush helps reach areas that are difficult to clean with a standard toothbrush.
When choosing an orthodontic toothbrush, look for one with soft bristles to avoid damaging the braces and your gums. Brushing should be done at least twice a day for two minutes, using gentle, circular motions to remove plaque and food particles.
Electric Toothbrush
While manual brushing with an orthodontic toothbrush is effective, many patients find an electric toothbrush offers a deeper clean. The rotating or oscillating bristles of an electric toothbrush are highly effective products for cleaning and maintaining your braces, as they can help remove plaque more efficiently, which is especially important when you have braces. Electric toothbrushes are also easier to handle, especially for those who may struggle with the manual brushing technique.
An electric toothbrush with a small, round head is ideal for braces, as it can maneuver around the brackets and wires. Many electric toothbrushes also come with built-in timers to help you brush for the recommended two minutes. If you opt for an electric toothbrush, be sure to choose one with soft bristles to avoid irritating your gums and damaging your braces.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to clean between your teeth and around your braces. These brushes are essential products for cleaning and maintaining your braces, as they can reach areas that regular toothbrushes can’t, especially the spaces between brackets and wires. Using an interdental brush helps remove food particles and plaque from these hard-to-reach areas, preventing buildup and maintaining oral health.
When using an interdental brush, gently insert it between your teeth and along the wire of your braces. Be careful not to force it into tight spaces, as this can cause damage to your braces or gums. Interdental brushes come in various sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits comfortably between your teeth and braces.
Floss Threaders and Waxed Floss
Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, but it can be tricky when you have braces. Floss threaders make it much easier to thread dental floss under the archwire of your braces. This tool acts like a needle and thread, allowing you to pass the floss between your teeth while avoiding damage to your braces. These are some of the most useful products for cleaning and maintaining your braces.
Waxed dental floss is recommended for people with braces because it slides more easily between the wires and brackets without fraying. Flossing should be done at least once a day, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that brushing alone cannot reach.
Water Flossers
A water flosser is a powerful tool that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth and around your braces. This is one of the most effective products for cleaning and maintaining your braces. It’s an excellent option for people with braces who may struggle with traditional flossing or interdental brushes. A water flosser is gentle on the gums and can clean areas that are difficult to reach with regular floss.
While a water flosser is not a substitute for traditional flossing, it’s a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, as it helps keep your braces and teeth clean. For best results, use a water flosser in combination with other cleaning methods, such as brushing and flossing.
Orthodontic Wax
Braces can sometimes cause irritation to the inside of your mouth, especially in the early stages of treatment. Orthodontic wax is a lifesaver for many patients, as it provides relief from sore spots caused by the brackets and wires rubbing against the inside of your lips and cheeks. The wax is not one of the primary products for cleaning and maintaining your braces, but it can make wearing braces more comfortable while you adjust to them. Simply pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball and place it over any areas causing irritation.
Be sure to remove the wax before eating or drinking, as it can trap food particles.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine, especially when you have braces. It helps kill bacteria, freshen your breath and rinse away any food particles that may be stuck in your braces. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that is specifically designed for orthodontic patients. These mouthwashes often contain fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from cavities and strengthens tooth enamel. Mouthwash is one of the key products for cleaning and maintaining your braces.
Using mouthwash after brushing and flossing is a great way to ensure that your mouth stays fresh and healthy. Swish for about 30 seconds, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth.
Braces-Friendly Toothpaste
When it comes to toothpaste, it’s important to choose a formula that is safe for braces. Look for a fluoride toothpaste that is free of abrasive ingredients. Abrasive toothpaste can scratch your braces and damage the enamel on your teeth. Toothpastes with fluoride help protect your teeth from decay and keep your smile looking bright. These toothpastes are essential products for cleaning and maintaining your braces.
At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics, we recommend using a toothpaste with a gentle formula designed for orthodontic patients. This ensures that your braces and teeth are both cleaned and protected.
Top Products for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Braces: Request Your Consultation in Austin, TX Today
Maintaining your braces requires extra care, but with the right products for cleaning and maintaining your braces, you can keep your smile healthy and bright throughout your orthodontic treatment. At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics in Austin, TX, we recommend using a combination of the tools mentioned above to ensure you’re cleaning your braces effectively and preventing any oral health issues. If you have any questions about braces maintenance or need product recommendations, feel free to request your consultation. We’re here to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!