Good oral hygiene is important during your braces treatment process for your teeth and gums to remain healthy.

What happens when you have bad oral hygiene with braces

Wearing braces makes it more important to take extra care of your teeth as braces are food traps resulting in bacteria and plague building up around the braces brackets. When these brackets are removed, poor oral hygiene results in stains and cavities on the teeth which will require additional treatment.

Here are some helpful tips for maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces.

1. Use a soft toothbrush

It is possible to wear down enamel on teeth with hard toothbrushes, and to irritate gums that are sore from a recent orthodontic adjustment. A soft toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush cleans your teeth while reducing the irritation of your gums.

2. Flossing is important

Flossing your teeth when you have braces is essential. As mentioned earlier, food can get stuck in your braces. Flossing reaches areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Using an interdental brush to navigate around and clean around the brackets and wires is also recommended.

3. Oral care kit

When you’re on the go, it’s good to have an oral care kit with you. This kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and interdental brushes for easy cleaning.

4. Rinse after meals

Rinse your mouth after eating to remove food particles stuck in and around braces.

5. Braces friendly food

Opt for foods that are gentle on braces such as soft fruits, dairy, yogurt, pasta, seafood, and vegetables.

6. Wear a mouthguard for physical activities

To keep your braces and teeth safe during physical activities, it is recommended to wear a mouthguard. This will provide an extra layer of protection and prevent any potential damage.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces is essential for preventing dental issues during orthodontic treatment. By staying consistent with your oral care routine, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile once your braces are removed at the end of your orthodontic treatment.