Tips to keep teeth clean when wearing braces

Article written by Elite Dental Group.

Brushing twice daily and flossing before bed are the basic habits that help maintain healthy teeth. But after a person gets fitted with braces, it can be harder to keep teeth clean since braces tend to retain more food particles and are difficult to brush over.

The following tips will help those who wear braces maintain good oral habits.

Rinse after every meal – Brushing teeth after each meal is not recommended as it can damage teeth enamel. Instead, consider rinsing after each meal to remove food particles and freshen your breath.

Brush a little longer – Usually, dentists recommend brushing for at least 2 minutes twice daily. However, for those with braces, it can be better to brush for an extra minute, making sure all angles of each tooth are cleaned.

Remember to floss – Flossing before bed is suggested as it removes food particles from between teeth. Those who avoid flossing are at a higher risk of cavities, plaque, and tartar buildup.

Avoid certain foods – Sugary and acidic foods can damage teeth, stripping a person’s enamel. This can increase a person’s risk of developing cavities. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods while following a whole food diet will promote healthier teeth.

Be gentle – Gentle brushing can help remove food particles, stains and reduce damage. Brushing in a side-to-side or up-and-down motion can cause damage to teeth’ enamel and increase the risk of gum recession.

Brush your tongue – Tongue brushing keeps your breath fresh and removes unhealthy levels of bacteria. Those with braces are also more likely to hold more bacteria between the metal, making tongue brushing an important aspect of maintaining healthy teeth.

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in cosmetic dentistry in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services that will help patients achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. If you are looking for oral surgery in Glendale CA or wisdom tooth extraction in Glendale call for an appointment