Maintaining proper oral hygiene when wearing braces can have a bit of a learning curve. Braces can sometimes make it difficult to brush and floss around the braces' brackets, wires, and other components.

However, maintaining your oral health during orthodontic treatment is essential for the overall success of your treatment and your long-term dental health.

In this blog post, we'll cover the best practices for oral hygiene when you have metal, ceramic, or lingual braces to remain healthy throughout your treatment.

Reasons Why Proper Oral Hygiene is Important with Braces

Here are five reasons why proper oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces:

1. To prevent cavities: When food gets stuck in your braces, it can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can lead to the formation of cavities, which can cause tooth decay and other dental problems.

2. To avoid gum disease: Poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease. It can cause redness, swelling, bleeding in your gums, bad breath, and other unpleasant symptoms.

3. To prevent enamel damage: Braces can put pressure on your teeth, which can cause wear and tear over time. This can weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems.

4. To ensure proper alignment: Proper oral hygiene can help your braces work more effectively. When your teeth are clean and healthy, your braces can move them into the correct alignment more easily, resulting in a better overall outcome.

5. To improve overall health: Good oral hygiene is linked to better health. By caring for your teeth and gums while you have braces, you're investing in your overall well-being and setting yourself up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Metal, Ceramic, and Lingual Braces

Wearing braces can be an adjustment, especially when maintaining oral hygiene. Braces create additional spaces in your mouth where food and plaque accumulate, making it more difficult to keep your teeth and gums healthy. To help you maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing braces, we've compiled a list of four essential tips:

1. Brush regularly and effectively

Brushing regularly and effectively is essential when wearing braces. Food particles and plaque can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires, causing bacteria to accumulate and ultimately lead to decay or gum disease.

Use a soft-bristled brush and brush around every bracket and wire carefully. Don't forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth, as bacteria can accumulate in these areas.

2. Floss daily

Flossing is as important as brushing when maintaining proper oral hygiene with braces. Flossing can be tricky with braces, but removing all food particles and plaque from the tight spaces between your teeth and brackets is crucial. Use a floss threader or specialized braces floss to make the process easier.

3. Use an interdental brush

An interdental brush is a small, cone-shaped brush that is designed to clean between the teeth and around braces. This tool is especially useful for reaching tight spaces between your brackets and wires that your regular toothbrush can't reach. Gently slide the brush under the wire, then gently clean around each bracket.

4. Rinse with mouthwash-

Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to help prevent gum disease and decay. Choose an antibacterial mouthwash that can help kill bacteria in your mouth. Rinse your mouth after every brushing and flossing session to leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health with braces. Your dentist can help identify issues and provide treatment recommendations to prevent complications.

Final Thoughts

At Rykiss Orthodontics, we understand the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene, especially in orthodontic treatment with braces. Whether you have metal, ceramic, or lingual braces, taking good care of your teeth and braces can help ensure a successful outcome.

For more information and guidance on maintaining your oral hygiene with braces, contact us at Rykiss Orthodontics in Winnipeg. We will be happy to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.