Maintaining Your Oral Hygiene While Wearing Braces

Have you recently invested in adult braces? Considering you’re here, you’ve probably figured out that keeping your teeth clean can be a bit of a challenge. Even the most prepared patients tend to have some difficulty adjusting. 

Despite the difficulties, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene ‒ especially if you have braces. Food particles and plaque can easily become trapped in the brackets and wires of your braces, increasing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

With a little extra effort and attention to detail, you can maintain excellent oral hygiene while wearing adult braces. In this blog, we share our best tips about how to do so.

Brushing And Flossing

Brushing and flossing are essential components of any good oral hygiene routine, but they're especially important when you have braces. Here are some tips to make sure you're doing it right:

• Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, twice a day, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.

• Pay special attention to the areas around your brackets and wires, using a gentle circular motion to dislodge any food particles or plaque.

• At least once a day, use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and around your braces.

Rinsing

While using mouthwash can aid in eliminating bacteria and refreshing your breath, it's essential to note that the efficacy of different mouthwashes may vary. Look for an alcohol-free formula that won't dry out your mouth or irritate your gums. You can also use a saline rinse to help soothe any sore spots in your mouth.

Diet

What you eat can also impact your oral hygiene when wearing adult braces. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy diet:

Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces or become stuck in them.

Cut up your food into small pieces to make it easier to chew and swallow.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and flush out any food particles or bacteria.

Orthodontic Appointments

Regular orthodontic appointments are essential to keeping your braces clean and in good condition. Your orthodontist will check your progress, adjust your braces as necessary, and clean your teeth thoroughly. Be sure to schedule your appointments at regular intervals and don't miss any of them.

Maintaining your oral hygiene while wearing adult braces requires a little extra effort, but it's well worth it. By brushing and flossing regularly, rinsing with mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, and attending regular orthodontic appointments, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and ensure the best possible outcome from your orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine or your adult braces, reach out to us at Dr. Kirk Bartlett’s orthodontic office. We take great pride in helping our patients achieve their dream smiles and boosting their self-confidence. With convenient locations in Victoria, Duncan, and Sooke, our team creates a welcoming and enjoyable environment to provide exceptional patient care.