Do you have metal braces? This tried-and-true orthodontic treatment has helped millions of patients over the years achieve the straight, healthy, beautiful smiles of their dreams. However, there is one downside: a more complex oral hygiene routine. While you may have been able to successfully clean your teeth in 2-3 minutes previously, the presence of your braces requires a bit more effort. Luckily, with the right tools in place, the process will be both effective and easy.

Why Keeping Your Braces (and Teeth!) Clean Is Important

Whether you’re expected to wear your braces for a couple of months or a few years, there are a few things that can extend your treatment timeline, like an orthodontic emergency or tooth decay. Fortunately, keeping your braces and teeth in pristine condition can drastically reduce your risk of experiencing either. So, for the sake of your new and improved grin, make taking care of your smile a priority.

5 Tools That Make Cleaning Your Braces a Breeze

If you’re frustrated with your current oral hygiene regimen with braces, it might be because of the tools you’re using. Stringing floss between each bracket and wire can be quite tedious, after all. Instead of dreading taking care of your braces and teeth, try using the below:

• An interproximal toothbrush to remove food particles and debris stuck around your brackets.
• Pre-threaded floss to clean between each tooth and around the gumline.
• A mirror to see the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
• A flavored toothpaste to keep your breath minty-fresh.
• Mouthwash to kill any harmful bacteria you may have missed.

A Few Other Important Best Practices

When it comes to caring for your braces, your oral hygiene routine is just the beginning. To prevent issues like broken brackets and wires, it’s also of the utmost importance that you stick to the dietary restrictions, like no hard or sticky foods. You should avoid unhealthy dental habits as well, such as using your teeth as tools to open things and chewing on ice. And, of course, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Taking care of your braces and teeth throughout your treatment shouldn’t be a headache. Luckily, with the above tools at your disposal, it won’t be!

About the Author

Dr. Sam Alkhoury is a trusted orthodontist with nearly three decades of experience! Since his career path was inspired by his own sister’s orthodontic treatment, helping others achieve their smile goals is personal for him. In addition to graduating with honors from Boston University, he is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthodontists. If you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your braces clean or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at our Derry or Hudson offices.