At Bucks Mont Orthodontics, Dr. Patel offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments in Warrington, PA. If you’ve recently had braces applied at our office or anywhere else in the area, you may have some questions about how to keep your braces clean and maintain proper oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
Here are 5 things you to remember when keeping your braces clean:
1. Brush (Properly) 2-3 Times Per Day
Brushing 2 times per day for 2 minutes should be the minimum. Ideally, orthodontic patients should brush after every meal to remove food, bacteria, and acid which can cause cavities and plaque buildup.
Start by brushing your gumline at a 45-degree angle. Then, place the toothbrush on top of your brackets and angle downward to brush the top of each one. Next, reverse this and brush from the bottom of each bracket, angling the toothbrush upward.
Finally, brush the tops and the rear of each of your teeth. Your goal is to cover as much of each tooth’s surface as possible. This process will take you 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush it! Brush each quadrant of your mouth individually, and take the time to do it right.
2. Learn How To Floss With Braces
Flossing with braces is not easy since you have to manage wires and brackets while trying to clean between your teeth. To floss with braces, run the floss up through your wire, then floss your tooth, remove the floss from the wire, and repeat this process while flossing every tooth. Using a floss pick may make this easier. This video is a helpful guide to the technique.
Alternatively, you may use a water flosser like a WaterPik. This is not a replacement for flossing, but it’s a good way to supplement a regular flossing routine and keep your teeth healthy.
3. Floss At Least Once Per Day
If you have braces, it’s important to floss at least once per day, with twice per day being the ideal to remove food from between your braces and your teeth. Again, supplementing your flossing routine by also using a water flosser like a WaterPik is a viable option, and can save you some time.
4. Schedule Routine Cleanings
Even if you do your best to keep your teeth healthy, you may get some plaque buildup around your brackets and your gums. This minor plaque buildup can be removed by your dental hygienist during your next six-month cleaning. As long as you are brushing at least twice per day and flossing once per day, some minor plaque buildup won’t harm your teeth.
5. Consider Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can be useful if you have braces. This treatment consists of painting a fluoride-rich liquid onto your teeth, which helps strengthen and remineralize your enamel, preventing decay. Since it may be hard to clean all surfaces of your teeth properly with braces, regular fluoride treatments are a great way to supplement your oral hygiene routine, and prevent cavity formation.
Need More Tips? Come To Bucks Mont Orthodontics!
At Bucks Mont Orthodontics, Dr. Chirag Patel specializes in orthodontic treatment in Warrington. If you want to straighten your teeth with braces in Warrington, PA, we’re the best choice. To learn more and get started, just contact us at (215) 398-0794, or feel free to stop by our office at 1520 Main Street, Suite 202 Warrington, PA. We’re always accepting new patients, and we hope to see you soon.
