When you have orthodontic braces on your teeth, it can be quite a challenge to have them cleaned. However, they still need to be cleaned so that they look even more amazing when the braces are finally removed. Here are some handy tips for effectively cleaning teeth with braces.
Use a soft toothbrush
The most critical part to keep clean while the braces are on is between the braces and the gums. Since this space is right next to the gums, it is almost impossible for the brush to reach the enamel surface without contacting the gums with the bristles. Medium and hard brushes are not recommended since they end up doing more damage to the gum than good.
Refrains from using toothpaste at first
No toothpaste needs to be used in this phase of brushing, and for a good reason. While toothpaste contains ingredients that are essential for keeping the teeth healthy, the resultant foam makes it harder to make out what you are doing. After having utilized water only to remove plaque and food from around the braces, you can then add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your brush so as to take advantage of breath fresheners, abrasives, whiteners and fluoride that are in the paste.
Use a picking motion instead of scrubbing to remove food particles from the braces
The best of toothbrushes have more than 1000 individual bristles that work just like little toothpick to reach even the smallest crannies and nooks related to your orthodontic appliances. While scrubbing does a decent cleaning job on the surface of the braces, the action does not remove all of the trapped food particles and plague caught under the brackets.
Spend at least three full minutes brushing your teeth
Dentists recommend spending at least 40 seconds brushing your upper right side, 40 seconds on your upper left side, 40 seconds on your lower left side, and lastly 40 seconds on your lower right side. While most people think they are already doing this, on timing themselves, they find that they brushing on average 40 seconds for their entire mouth.
Use the best tasting toothpastes
The best tasting toothpastes encourage the patient to brush for longer. While there are differences in the ingredients used in these tooth pastes, research has shown that the most critical variables when it comes to good oral health is the time spent and techniques used when brushing. The majority of modern toothpastes have fluoride, which one of the most important ingredient.
Thoroughly rinse your mouth after brushing
Rinsing the mouth with enough water helps to get rid of the foam that is left after brushing with toothpaste. Just before going to bed, brush your teeth, but spit the toothpaste rather than rinsing it. Research has shown that the teeth receive just as much fluoride following this procedure as they do when an expensive fluoride supplement is applied.
If possible use an electric toothbrush for brushing your teeth
While you can achieve exceptional oral hygiene while utilizing a less costly manual toothbrush, any technology that encourages you to spend a few more minutes brushing is recommended. Electric toothbrushes in this case are excellent tools for supplementing the manual movements of toothbrush bristles over the teeth. The varieties that vibrate have been shown to clean a little better than those that rotate.
All in all, properly brushing your teeth, even when wearing braces, is always advisable so as to keep them and the surrounding gums clean and healthy without having to spend lots of money and extra time having them treated. Again, using any brush that encourages you to brush a little longer than you would otherwise do is highly recommended by dentists in downtown Toronto.
