If your orthodontist has just fitted you with a new set of braces, you may be wondering about how you will be able to keep them clean. Below is a brief guide to the different options you have when it comes to keeping your braces nice and clean as part of your oral hygiene routine.
Rinse Your Mouth Out
After every meal, you should rinse your mouth with water. This will help to prevent food debris from becoming stuck in between the braces and your teeth. If you are concerned about keeping your braces clean, your dentist may recommend a medicated mouthwash. By rinsing your mouth and reducing the build-up of food debris, you make it much easier to floss.
Use Dental Floss or Tape on Your Braces
You should use dental floss which has a protective wax coating. This will reduce the chance that it will snap when it comes into contact with the metal parts of your braces. Dental tape is similar to dental floss. However, the main difference between the two approaches is that dental tape can stretch like an elastic band. This makes it much easier to get into the little nooks and crannies between you teeth and your braces.
Use a Flossing Pick For Greater Control
A floss pick is a small piece of shaped plastic which holds a piece of floss stretched between two prongs. You hold the pick between your forefinger and thumb. The main advantage of using a flossing pick is that it gives you much more control over the floss. Flossing picks are available in waxed and unwaxed versions.
Use a Water Floss and Blast Your Braces Clean
Water flossing is the most expensive option when it comes to cleaning your braces. It involves the use of a water flossing devices, which works by shooting a jet of high powered water into your mouth. When the water hits any food debris which is trapped between your braces and your teeth, the pressure dislodges the debris and the water rinses it from your mouth. The device can be held in the same way you would hold a toothbrush and directed to target different areas of the mouth.
If you any questions or concerns about maintaining your oral hygiene or cleaning your braces, you should book an appointment with your dentist or orthodontics expert who will be able to assess your dental health and offer any necessary advice and treatment.
Share27 July 2016
Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."
