Properly caring for your teeth is even more important once you have had a set of braces put on. This is because food, plaque, and bacteria can easily get trapped between the braces and you teeth. If this debris is not properly cleaned away, it can easily result in tooth decay and other dental health problems.

Just as before your braces were applied, you will need to brush and floss you teeth each day in order to prevent tooth decay. However, the process of brushing and flossing with braces can be a bit more difficult. Below you will learn more about how you can ensure you are completely these tasks properly and without the risk of damaging your new braces in the process:

Brushing With Braces

When wearing braces, you should always brush your teeth after each meal and snack. This is because small food particles can easily become lodged behind or between the braces. For many people, keeping up with this requirement will mean the need to take a toothbrush and toothpaste with them to work or school so that they can brush throughout the day.

When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. This will help to prevent you from damaging your braces during the brushing process. Rather than brushing side to side or in circular motions as is often recommended for patient's without braces, you will need to brush each tooth from top to bottom, and then from bottom to top in order to remove all debris.

Once you have brushed each tooth using you traditional toothbrush, you will need to use a special brush provided to you by your dentist in order to clean between your braces and your tooth. This brush is often referred to as a Christmas tree brush due to its tree-shaped design. When brushing with this small metal brush, be sure to always make several vertical strokes behind each brace before moving on to the next tooth. Continue to repeat this process until you have cleaned every tooth.

Flossing With Braces

Flossing can also be an important part of removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and braces. In order to floss your teeth, begin by threading the floss between your teeth under the wires that connect your braces. Using a sawing motion, carefully clean along the gum line in order to remove any excess plaque or food particles.

If you find that you are struggling to remove all of the plaque or food particles between your teeth, you may wish to consider using a water or air flosser as these products often make it easier to get below your braces. Your dentist may also be able to give you some small chewable pills that can identify the dye any plaque that is left behind after you brush and floss so that you can easily identify any areas that you may have missed.

To learn more, contact a company like Braces Inc. with any questions or concerns you have.