Braces are a pretty big adjustment and one of the first things our patients want to know is how in the world are they supposed to keep their teeth clean with all these wires and brackets in the way. Its a fair question, because lets be honest, brushing with braces does feel a bit strange at first. Cosmetic dentistry enhances your smile by improving the appearance of your teeth and gums. Modern techniques allow for subtle, natural-looking results that boost confidence. Every treatment is tailored to create a beautiful, balanced smile.
But here is the good news. It is not that different once you get the hang of it. Your teeth will actually thank you for the extra effort. At Mistry Dental we always tell our patients to start with a soft bristled toothbrush. You don’t want to be using a hard bristled one, because it can start to hurt the gums and possibly even scratch the brackets. And the more often you clean your teeth the better, ideally after every meal if you can manage it, but at least twice a day. Brackets and cables seem to hide food in all sorts of places, so brushing more often really makes a big difference. General dentistry focuses on maintaining optimal oral health through preventive and restorative care. Regular checkups and cleanings help prevent serious dental issues. Comprehensive care ensures a lifetime of healthy smiles.
When you’re brushing, try holding the toothbrush at a bit of an angle so you can really get under the wire and around each bracket. Don’t rush this bit. A lot of people try to brush their teeth quickly, but when you have braces you really need to take your time and pay attention to each one. Spend a couple of minutes brushing your teeth and make sure you’re doing a good job on every part of your mouth, the front, back and all the chewing surfaces.
Brushing with braces is important, and so is flossing. Flossing with braces can take a bit longer, but we recommend using one of those special orthodontic flosses or a floss threader which can reach in between the wire and your teeth. You can also use interdental brushes. These are little brushes which fit between the brackets and can be a lifesaver for getting into the hard to reach places that a standard toothbrush can’t.
It’s also a good idea to use a fluoride mouthwash every day. This will help keep the bacteria from building up in all the places that are hard to clean, and will also protect the enamel around the brackets. You get that extra layer of protection by rinsing your mouth out after brushing.
Getting braces in Mississauga can be a big deal, and one of the most important things you can learn is how to clean your teeth properly with them on. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque can start to build up around the brackets, and that can lead to white spots or deterioration on your teeth after the braces are taken off. Nobody wants to finish treatment and then discover all sorts of new problems have turned up.
At Mistry Dental we love showing our patients how to brush their teeth properly during their sessions. If you’re ever not sure you’re brushing your teeth the right way, just ask us next time you come in and we’ll show you exactly what to do.
Taking care of your teeth while you’ve got braces in does take a bit more work, but trust us, the rewards are well worth it. Brushing your teeth with braces in Mississauga will start to feel second nature after a little practice and with the right equipment, and when you’re finished with treatment you’ll have a healthy, clean smile that you’ll be really proud of.