Dental Cleaning With Braces

Maintaining oral hygiene while you are wearing braces is a bit difficult. However, it remains important. In fact, those who wear braces should be more careful about their teeth cleaning, since the brackets make your mouth more vulnerable to plaque and tartar build-up.

In the following article, we will discuss the process of teeth cleaning at the dentist for those who are undergoing a braces treatment, and tips for maintaining an oral hygiene routine at home.

Dental Cleaning Appointment with Braces

Dentists and dental hygienists are very familiar and experienced in cleaning braced teeth. Your dental visit for teeth cleaning will not be vastly different from an average one. The dentist may take x-rays and perform a thorough examination of the health of your teeth and gums, and the hygienist will perform a cleaning, removing plaque from between the teeth as well as around the brackets and under the wires of the braces. They will also floss your teeth to ensure a thorough cleaning.

When you are going through the braces treatment, your dentist will regularly schedule appointments to inspect and monitor the health of your teeth. If problems arise, such as cavities or root canals, they will resolve these while your normal braces treatment continues. It is possible to have a root canal treatment while wearing braces.

If your dentist finds that there is excessive plaque build-up around your braces, you may be asked to come in more frequently for dental cleaning.

Tips for Teeth Cleaning at Home if you have Braces

In between your scheduled dental cleaning appointments with the dentist, you should remain vigilant about oral hygiene at home. If you wear braces, these tips will be helpful:

A Soft Toothbrush

It is critical to clean the top part of your teeth between your brackets and gums. To clean the enamel properly, the toothbrush fibres must touch the gums. This is why it is better to choose a soft brush to avoid irritating them. You should also angle the brush toward the gums while cleaning.

Brushing & Flossing

Both of these actions can become difficult to manage with braces. Dentists recommend brushing after every meal when you are wearing braces. You can ask your dentist what routine to use after meals for cleaning your teeth. Similarly, you can consult on using certain flossing tools that make it easier to move around the wires.

Avoiding Excessive Use of Toothpaste

Toothpaste foam can make it more difficult to see the existing plaque and debris. Begin brushing your teeth with a wet toothbrush to clean around the brackets and between the wires.

Rather than scrubbing, it is better to employ a precise picking motion. Then, add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and clean as usual.

Invest in a Good Mouthwash

A good mouthwash not only provides extra hygiene but offers oral freshness too. Buy a fluoride-containing and anti-cavity mouthwash that will prevent tooth decay and protect the enamel. A one-minute rinse can help remove any remaining debris after your usual brushing.

Avoid Certain Foods

During your braces treatment, you should try your best to avoid sticky foods. Such types of meals can seriously harm your orthodontic work and cause tooth decay. If you can manage it, then it is best to avoid sugary foods entirely.

Sue Vetter Dental Cleaning Specialist in Seattle

Whether you are seeking an emergency dental cleaning or your regular dental cleaning appointment, we have skillful dental cleaning specialists in Seattle ready to offer you quality service. We can also help you with planning a healthy oral cleaning routine while you are undergoing braces treatment.

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