Brushing Your Teeth With Braces

We all know that brushing and flossing your teeth is an important part of your daily oral hygiene. This does not change when you get braces – if anything, it becomes even more important that you maintain this routine. At Bryan Johnson Orthodontics, our goal is to ensure that you love the way your smile looks when you complete your orthodontic treatment with us. With braces, it does take a little more effort to brush your teeth due to the metal wires and brackets; however, all of the work you put into keeping your teeth clean and healthy will be worth it in the long run. You’ll have a smile that you’ll be proud to show off to the world!

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up on your teeth from the foods that you eat. Without proper brushing or flossing, this can be one of the biggest and most common threats to your teeth. Plaque tends to hide between the spaces of your teeth and with braces, we’re giving it more places for plaque to build up. If plaque is not removed, it can easily develop into oral problems such as bad breath, cavities, and swollen gums. This can cause a lot of discomfort during your orthodontic treatment process and in some severe cases, you may need to get your braces removed in order to effectively resolve the issue. Also, you’ll see markings on the surface of your teeth which can be difficult or impossible to remove.

Tips On How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces

Dr. Johnson recommends that you brush your teeth at least four times a day after every meal in order to maintain the health of your teeth. The techniques that go into brushing your teeth isn’t any different from how you brush your teeth without braces. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. This will keep your teeth clean and protect it from cavities or decay.

Here are some tips to properly brush your teeth with braces:

• Use back-and-forth motions to get between the wires to loosen any food particles built up on your braces
• Brush in circular motions to clean your teeth and the brackets
• Be sure to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle while brushing for optimal cleanliness
• You should be brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes

Contact Your Salem, OR Orthodontist

Our helpful team at Bryan Johnson Orthodontics is here to give helpful tips to keep your teeth healthy during your orthodontic treatment. Whether you have traditional metal braces or clear aligners, it’s important that you maintain your oral hygiene regimen. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to give us a call or visit one of our three orthodontic offices in Salem, Stayton, and Silverton.