The proper position of the teeth is significant to patients, both for aesthetic and functional reasons. Don’t let wearing fixed braces cause you to overlook the health of your teeth and gums. The appliance itself retains food and bacteria, which encourages the development of cavities and gum inflammation. This is not the time to neglect thorough oral hygiene. On the contrary.
What do you need for cleaning your teeth and fixed braces?
There is not much difference compared to the tools you’ve used so far. You will need a soft toothbrush, an interdental brush, dental floss, and a mouthwash. If you prefer using an electric toothbrush, you can continue using it. Today, most of these basic hygiene kits are provided in dental offices when fixed braces are first placed.
What’s different compared to brushing before braces?
The wires and brackets of fixed braces are places where food gets trapped. This means you’ll need to brush your teeth after every meal, as well as before bedtime. All tooth surfaces and parts of the braces should be cleaned until there are no visible food residues. Do not brush your teeth and braces too vigorously, as it might dislodge the braces. After brushing, check to make sure everything is clean and in place.
Brushing with a regular toothbrush
Brush your teeth and brackets using circular or vibrating motions from all accessible angles. Pay special attention to the area along the gum line and the gums themselves. They need a gentle massage with the brush and removal of all plaque and bacteria to prevent inflammation. If your gums bleed slightly at first, don’t let that discourage you from brushing.
Brushing with an interdental brush
Use this brush the same way you did before braces—to clean the spaces between neighboring teeth. Choose a thinner brush that can fit between each pair of teeth. Use a larger interdental brush to clean the brackets and wires from all sides.
Using dental floss
The difference compared to regular flossing is that the floss first has to be threaded between the wire and the tooth. Then, holding the floss with both index fingers, gently slide it between two adjacent teeth. One end of the floss will be toward your lips and the other toward your tongue. With gentle motions along each side of the tooth, clean the space between the teeth and near the gum line. Be careful not to injure your gums with sudden movements.
Using mouthwash
Food debris can only be removed mechanically—by brushing. When you’re unable to brush your teeth or simply want to freshen your mouth, you can use different mouthwashes. They will contribute to a feeling of freshness and reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Appearance of white spots
In patients who do not maintain adequate oral hygiene, white spots may appear on the teeth. These spots are an early sign of tooth demineralization and will not disappear after braces are removed. This is why proper brushing must be taken seriously. Products used to prevent demineralization should only be used with a dentist’s recommendation.
Sports activities
Patients who play sports and wear fixed braces do not have any restrictions, but it is recommended to wear custom sports mouthguards. This way, they protect their teeth, the braces themselves, and the surrounding oral soft tissues such as cheeks and lips. Upon impact or strong contact, the soft tissue is pressed against the metal parts of the braces, which can cause serious injuries. A mouthguard will help prevent such injuries.
Diet during fixed braces treatment
While wearing fixed braces, it is especially important to avoid certain foods that can damage the brackets and wires. Popcorn and sticky candies (such as caramels, gummy candies, chewing gum, and lollipops) pose the greatest risk. Popcorn can easily get stuck between brackets and teeth, and the hard kernels can even break parts of the braces. Sticky candies adhere to the braces and are hard to remove, creating ideal conditions for cavities. Avoid other hard foods like nuts and crusty bread as well. It’s best to cut food into smaller pieces and choose softer foods that are easier to chew. Being careful with snacks and sweets will help you avoid damage and maintain healthy teeth throughout the orthodontic treatment.
Regular check-ups
In addition to regular oral hygiene, make sure to attend your orthodontic check-ups. This is the only way to ensure your fixed braces treatment is successful. If you notice any changes in the color or structure of your teeth or if any part of the braces feels loose, contact your dentist immediately. Also, during your treatment, make regular appointments for tartar and plaque removal, as well as food stain cleaning. For patients wearing braces, tooth air-polishing (prophy jet) is also recommended.
