When you get your new set of braces put on, you need to relearn how to brush your teeth with braces. It can take some time to adjust with brackets and wires now in the way. If you need to learn how to take care of your teeth, keep reading.
We'll go over exactly how to brush your teeth with braces, and the best products you can use to optimize your oral hygiene during your entire orthodontics treatment.
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Best products for orthodontic care
We'll get to exactly how to brush your teeth with braces in a second — but first, wouldn't it help if you had the perfect orthodontic kit that includes everything you could possibly need to maintain optimal oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment?
That's where the TePe Ortho Kit comes in. TePe is famous for its interdental brushes, which are also an integral part of keeping braces clean. And now they also sell an all-in-one ortho kit which includes:
- TePe Supreme compact brush x 1
- TePe Implant orthodontic brush x 1
- TePe Angled interdental brushes (6-pack)
- TePe Easy (36 Pack)
- TePe Compact tuft x 1
How do you brush your teeth with braces, step by step?
Brushing teeth with braces is similar to how you were previously brushing your teeth. However, you will want to take care to be gentle. Electric toothbrushes are great at removing plaque from braces.
How to brush your teeth with braces
- Rinse off your toothbrush and apply your favorite toothpaste.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.
- Start moving the brush in circular motions around your braces and teeth.
- Clean the front, back, and top of each tooth for two minutes total.
- Spend about 30 seconds properly brushing each quadrant of your mouth.
- Use an interdental brush to get in between teeth and under braces wires.
- Finally, remember to brush your tongue when you are finished. Doing so helps your breath smell clean and fresh.
- Rinse your mouth.
How to brush teeth with braces using an interdental brush
Using this little tool helps remove plaque from the wires if you have trouble flossing with braces. The special brush reaches where your normal brush can't. Here's how to use it:
- Slide the brush gently between your brackets.
- Move the brush up and down on both sides of the brackets.
- Run the brush along the wires as you move from bracket to bracket.
- Rinse with water when you are done flossing.
- Make sure to replace the interdental brush when it starts to wear out.
Overall, many patients find using the interdental toothbrush easier than flossing, although some dentists argue that it isn't meant to replace flossing. Either way, it can help improve your oral health.
Tips for how to clean teeth with braces
- When brushing with braces, it helps if you rinse with water first. Doing so removes loose food particles from your brackets.
- Don't use whitening toothpaste or whitening mouthwash products. They will cause your teeth to be a different color when you have the braces taken off. If you accidentally use one of these dental products, rinse right away with water.
- Brushing and flossing is important to avoid tooth decay. Many patients use a floss threader or an interdental brush to remove plaque and food.
- Consider watching videos on “how to brush your teeth with braces“.
- When cleaning teeth with braces, use a water flosser before brushing (after brushing it washes away the benefits of your toothpaste).
Can I brush my teeth right after getting braces?
You will likely feel sensitive right after getting the treatment. However, it is still important that you clean your teeth and gums. You will adjust to having braces within a few days. But you still need to have proper oral hygiene in the meantime.
Your brackets can take 24 hours to fully adhere to your teeth, but your braces should be fine to clean after your next meal. Orthodontists use a strong adhesive, which makes it safe to eat soft food after you leave the clinic. Make sure you follow the specific instructions that your orthodontist gives you.
When you should brush
You won't need to clean your teeth immediately after getting the braces on. However, you should start brushing them after every meal. You want to get into a healthy dental routine now so it is easier to stick with.
How many times a day should I brush my teeth with braces?
Your dentist will suggest brushing two times a day with or without braces. When it comes to orthodontics treatment, you should also clean your teeth every time you eat.
Many people choose to do the longer part of their routine in the morning to combat bad breath and get it out of the way. However, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day with braces and after meals. You want to gently floss as well.
Why you should brush two times daily
When you brush your teeth twice a day you avoid plaque build-up as well as cavities or tooth decay. Each time you brush your teeth, make sure you spend at least two minutes cleaning your teeth.
You do not want food particles to build up under your wire or bracket either. The buildup can cause tooth staining and may irritate your gums. In the worst-case scenario, the food causes your wire to snap. If that happens, make sure to contact your orthodontist or dental professional immediately to receive assistance.
What brush should I use?
Be sure to brush with soft bristles. You can decide whether to use a traditional toothbrush or an electric one. As long as you clean your smile gently with a soft brush, you should be fine. You will also need to floss between the wires, which is much easier to do with an interdental toothbrush.
What is the interdental brush for?
The interdental brush, like the ones from Tepe, can replace flossing your braces—not brushing your teeth. Keep in mind that you don't need to put toothpaste on the interdental brushing tool.
That's because you do it right before or after you brush around your teeth and gums. You will still want to floss if you can because it is essential for good gum health. Your orthodontist will give you advice.
Can you brush your teeth the first day with braces?
Right after your orthodontics appointment when you get your braces tightened, you will feel sore. However, you will still need to brush your teeth properly to remove bacteria and food from surfaces in your mouth.
If you are too tender right after leaving the practice, a good mouthwash with fluoride should suffice. That said, you should still brush your smile before you go to sleep or after eating.
Conclusion
If you're wondering how to clean your teeth with braces, you probably know that brushing teeth with braces is a bit more complicated. You must start cleaning your braces as soon as you feel comfortable. The discomfort is only temporary, so make sure you clean the top and bottom rows of teeth thoroughly when you can.
You will get used to wearing braces after a week or two, and will soon find a way to brush your teeth with braces that work for you.