How to Take Care of Teeth During and After Braces

Whether your insurance provider is paying or it is coming from your pocket, dental costs can make quite a dent in your wallet. That’s why maintenance of your teeth is key when you have them. For most users of braces, they have mild to severe teeth issues that require the use of braces. Good oral and hygiene habits during the length of your treatment are important to ensure that your dental problems are solved once and for all.

Even after the removal of your braces, certain tips are recommended. You cannot care for your teeth the same way you did before.

Care of your teeth while wearing braces

Flossing

It is recommended that you floss your teeth at least once a day. It is an important oral hygiene routine that should be practiced both when you have braces and after you remove them. It can be a challenging task when you have braces on but not impossible. We advise that you make use of a floss threader. Since braces are a permanent, corrective option, you need to floss between each bracket and behind the wire to remove food particles and bacteria. You also have the option of using a water flosser. The water flosser launches a stream of water between your teeth and braces to remove both food and plaque.

Brushing

After every meal or snack, it is recommended that you brush your teeth. Due to the technicality of its design, food particles tend to get stuck between the braces and wires. Whether you are at school or work, excuse yourself after your lunch break and brush your teeth. The best type of toothbrush for this is the V-shaped type toothbrush. It will fit around your brackets and get the food particles that are meshed. You can also purchase an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush can fit well between each bracket.

Care of your teeth after removal of your braces

Brushing and flossing should be part of your everyday oral hygiene routines. Well, it might seem a little bit obvious but people tend to get a bit lax once they get their braces removed. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This is the only way to keep your winning smile beautiful.

The use of retainers is also recommended. Retainers help your teeth to remain in the new perfect position. Retainers should be worn every single day to maximize their effectiveness. It will be quite a disheartening affair if your teeth return to their original position after all those years of wearing braces.

For more information on the recommended oral tips, please consult your orthodontist or dentist. Everyone deserves a beautiful and winning smile.