Wearing braces is a major step towards achieving a perfect smile, but it comes with its challenges.
One of the biggest concerns is keeping your teeth clean while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces make it more difficult to brush and floss, which increases the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. That’s why regularly cleaning and taking care of your teeth becomes important.
Proper dental hygiene is key to preventing issues caused by braces. With metal brackets and wires in the way, cleaning your teeth at home can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to follow the right methods and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning.
Keep reading to learn how you can take care of your teeth at home and when to seek help from a dentist in Mississauga.
Tips for Teeth Cleaning at Home in Mississauga While Wearing Braces
Maintaining good oral hygiene when wearing braces doesn’t have to be complicated. With some extra care and the right approach, you can prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Here are several important tips for taking care of your teeth at home while wearing braces:
Brush after Every Meal
Brushing twice a day is essential for everyone, but if you’re wearing braces, brushing after every meal becomes even more critical. Food easily gets trapped in the spaces between your braces, which can lead to the development of plaque and cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and make sure to brush at a 45-degree angle to effectively clean around the brackets and wires. Spend at least two minutes brushing, paying close attention to every tooth and all areas around your braces.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing is more effective when you use the right toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen your enamel, which is especially important when wearing braces. The metal brackets can sometimes weaken tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. Fluoride will provide extra protection and reduce the risk of cavities forming while your braces are in place.
Floss Daily Using a Floss Threader
Flossing may seem impossible with braces, but it’s an essential part of oral hygiene. Food particles can easily get stuck between your teeth, and using a floss threader helps you reach those hard-to-reach spaces.
The floss threader guides the floss underneath your braces’ wires, allowing you to floss in between your teeth just as you would without braces. This removes plaque buildup and helps prevent gum disease.
Incorporate an Interdental Brush into Your Routine
Regular toothbrushes can’t always reach the tiny spaces between the brackets and wires of your braces. An interdental brush is a small, thin tool that can clean in those difficult-to-reach areas. These brushes are great for removing food particles and plaque that your toothbrush may miss. Use it after every meal for a quick and effective clean.
Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash is a simple but powerful step to add to your oral hygiene routine. Fluoride mouthwash strengthens teeth and helps wash away any lingering debris that may remain after brushing and flossing. It’s especially helpful when you’re wearing braces since it can clean the areas around your brackets where food might get stuck. A quick 30-second rinse can go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy.
Avoid Sticky, Hard, and Sugary Foods
While it may be tempting to enjoy your favourite snacks, braces wearers should avoid certain foods that can damage their brackets or get stuck in their teeth. Foods like caramel, gummies, and hard popcorn kernels can be difficult to remove and increase the chances of plaque buildup. Additionally, sugary foods can lead to cavities, especially when they linger around the braces. By sticking to healthier food choices, you’ll protect both your braces and your teeth.
Use Orthodontic Wax for Discomfort
Braces can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort on your gums and the inside of your cheeks. Orthodontic wax is a handy tool that creates a protective barrier, preventing cuts and sores from forming. While it’s not directly related to teeth cleaning, staying comfortable throughout your orthodontic treatment is important. Less irritation means you’re less likely to avoid proper oral hygiene routines.
When Should You Visit a Dental Clinic in Mississauga?
Even with diligent at-home care, visiting a dental clinic in Mississauga for professional teeth cleaning is essential for anyone wearing braces. Braces make it more difficult to clean every part of your mouth, and plaque can still build up in those hard-to-reach spots.
Patients wearing braces should visit their dentist for a cleaning every three to four months, which is more frequent than the usual recommendation for people without braces. This frequency ensures that any plaque or tartar buildup that you miss at home is taken care of before it leads to bigger issues like cavities or gum disease. Regular cleanings are crucial, and while teeth cleaning costs in Mississauga can vary, the long-term benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene far outweigh the potential costs of dental problems down the road.
During a cleaning appointment at a dental clinic in Mississauga, you can expect the following steps:
- Initial examination: The dentist or hygienist will first examine your mouth, checking for signs of decay, gum disease, or any potential issues with your braces.
- Plaque and tartar removal: Special tools are used to carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup around the brackets and wires.
- Brushing: A high-powered electric toothbrush with gritty toothpaste will polish your teeth, giving them a thorough clean.
- Flossing: The hygienist will use floss threaders or special tools to clean between your teeth and braces.
- Fluoride treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to further protect your teeth from cavities while you wear your braces.
Caring for your teeth while wearing braces can feel like a challenge, but with the right routine and regular visits to your dentist, it’s entirely manageable. Maintaining proper oral hygiene at home and scheduling professional teeth cleaning in Mississauga ensures that your teeth stay strong and healthy throughout your orthodontic journey. Clean teeth are essential to a successful braces treatment, so don’t neglect your dental care. For those in need of professional teeth cleaning or orthodontic care, visit Mississauga Queensway Dental for expert care and personalized treatment.