Oral Hygiene Tips While Wearing Braces

Wearers of braces must still work hard to maintain good oral health. The parts of braces can all trap pieces of food that can lead to a buildup of plaque and cause cavities and gum disease. This is why it’s essential that you brush and floss regularly and ideally following every meal. You can maintain proper oral hygiene by doing the following:

Flossing – Floss at least once daily. Pull your floss under the archwire and pull your floss through the floss threader. Pull the floss between your teeth and gently move it up and down the side of both of your teeth, remembering to move it up under the gums.

Rinsing – When done flossing, remember to rinse your mouth out with water or an antiseptic dental rinse.

Retainer Care – Brush your retainer each time you brush your teeth because it’s exposed to the same foods and bacteria as the rest of your oral cavity. You should soak your appliance in room-temperature tap water with a dissolved denture-cleaning tablet. Avoid using hot water.

Foods to avoid – Hard foods, such as ice and pizza crust, and sticky foods, such as licorice and caramel, should be avoided during treatment.

Follow these tips to enjoy strong oral hygiene while wearing braces. Contact DeDomenico Orthodontics to enjoy professional orthodontic care in Tampa and surrounding communities!