Braces are used to correct overcrowded and misaligned teeth. Good oral health hygiene is important for anyone especially when you have braces. Poor brushing can cause white spots and could prolong your treatment. Braces have countless of tiny spaces that can trap food and cause plaque build-up.

You can develop different dental hygiene issues such as the following,

• Gingivitis, also known as gum disease that makes your gums swollen and puffy.
• Periodontitis, the inflammation and infection of the gums when Gingivitis is left untreated.
• Decalcifications, these are permanent white stains marks on your teeth that is caused by not brushing enough.

If you want to avoid any oral health problems with your braces on, here are tips on how to maintain proper dental hygiene.

1. Brush Your Teeth

This would be the number one tip that you will hear from almost everyone. Your teeth must be brushed two to three times a day using a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent decay and cavities. No idea how to brush your teeth with braces? Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the top of your wire. This could help get rid of debris and plaque from your braces.

2. Floss

Brushing your teeth is not enough. Food that could be trapped in between your teeth can be solved by flossing. There are specific flosses that are perfect for people with braces, try and consult with your dental professional about that.

Rinse your mouth carefully with water or use an antiseptic mouthwash. This could help reduce inflammation of your gums and could avoid minor irritations.

3. Rinse

Rinse your mouth carefully with water or use an antiseptic mouthwash. This could help reduce inflammation of your gums and could avoid minor irritations.

4. Focus on the Right Foods

There are some types of foods that can damage our teeth such as foods that are high in acid. It can wear down your enamel overtime. You don’t really have to avoid high acid foods if you choose to, but you can cut them down instead to protect your teeth from chipping.

Tomatoes, pineapples, soda, vinegar and salsa are some examples of food with high acid while bananas, mangoes, carrots, milk and water have low acid. Hard foods can as well damage your orthodontic device. Avoid habits like chewing and eating too much nuts.

5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly.

Your orthodontist will adjust your braces regularly therefore it is not a good idea to skip appointments. You might experience some pain or discomfort at first, but it will soon wear off. If you continue experiencing pain, consult your dental professional right away.

Taking good care of your braces is essential for avoiding complications while they are on. Remember that maintaining good oral hygiene when you have braces may take some extra time and effort, but at the end, it will totally be worth it!

If you have any concerns about proper oral hygiene for braces, or inquiries about braces, contact us or visit our dental clinic in Manila, Lingayen or Calasiao!