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5 Oral Hygiene Tips if you have Braces

Orthodontic treatment, such as traditional metal braces and clear aligners are a good investment as treatment will help straighten your teeth and increase confidence in your smile.

To ensure optimal results, dentists and orthodontists recommend brushing teeth after each meal to remove tiny pieces of food that may be stuck between your teeth and prevent plaque forming.

Good oral hygiene will help ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy throughout treatment.

Here are some tips to ensure good hygiene with braces.

Brush your teeth regularly – Brush your teeth at least twice a day if you have braces. Brush teeth after every meal or snack to remove tiny food particles trapped in your braces. Failure to remove food from your braces can increase your risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease.  Use a toothbrush, an electric toothbrush, or an interdental toothbrush to clean between the brackets and under the wires.

Keep on flossing –While brushing will remove the debris stuck in your braces, if you wear a removable clear or invisible braces/aligner like Invisalign or RXaligners flossing is much easier. If you have a traditional brace, flossing under the wire can be difficult, but dentists recommend using a floss threader.

Consider what you eat with a brace – Generally avoid sticky foods, such as sandwiches, cake  and sweets as they can easily get stuck in your braces and are difficult to dislodge. They can have damaging effects on your tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Our team here at Shine Dental & Facial in Twyford are happy to answer any questions and advise you on which foods and drinks to avoid during your orthodontic treatment.

Think ahead – Have a small pack of all your teeth cleaning essentials for when you are on the go. Make sure your pack includes a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and even a small mirror to help you keep up with your oral health routine when you are out and about.

Clean your braces and aligners – If you are wearing aligners you should clean them  when you take them out of your mouth for meals. Dry saliva and plaque create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The best way to make sure your aligners are as clean as possible using a recommended professional cleaning solution. Besides using professional cleaning products, you can use inexpensive home cleaning methods that will keep your aligners fresh. Do not use toothpaste or mouthwash to clean the aligners. One simple home method is using hydrogen peroxide. This colourless liquid is suitable for cleaning Invisalign since it has anti-bacterial properties. You may also gently brush your aligners using antibacterial liquid hand or dish soap. Make sure you give them a good rinse before putting them back in your mouth.

If you have any questions please consult with your dentist or speak with our friendly reception team here at the dental practice in Twyford.

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