While wearing braces, food particles and plaque have plenty of space to build up and get trapped in your teeth. Once the orthodontic wire has straightened your teeth, it will be much easier to get to plaque between and on your teeth. You’re likely to spend more than twice as long on your oral care when you have braces on. Paying attention to your oral hygiene is vital while your teeth realign because, if not, you run the risk of getting gum disease. Flossing with braces can be tricky, however, which is why we provide these tips to help you out.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces can be difficult, but practice these steps and you’ll get the hang of it in no time:
• Floss once daily.
• Use about 18 inches of floss.
• You want to use waxed floss because unwaxed floss is prone to shredding and getting caught in your braces. You can also use dental tape or another product made to clean around braces.
• Thread the floss carefully beneath the main wire before you pass it between two teeth.
• Try not to snap it but move up and down softly, then remove and do the next two teeth. Using regular floss along with a floss threader allows you to place it above and below the wire.
Advice for When You Brush
Be sure to spit and not rinse once you’ve finished cleaning. When you rinse after brushing, the fluoride toothpaste will get washed away, and it is needed to make your teeth stronger. It’s because of this dilution that even using mouthwash directly after brushing is not recommended. You don’t want to dilute the fluoride from around the teeth.
Schedule Regular Checkups
It’s essential for you to see our orthodontist for adjustments and checkups. He can address any issues, like gingivitis or cavities, answer any of your general questions, and fix broken pieces. As a precaution, our orthodontist may suggest a fluoride treatment. You should visit our dental professional about once a month. To ensure you are getting the effect you want, he will check the state of the braces and make sure the necessary pressure is being put on the teeth. He may also be able to give you additional tips on flossing with braces and other aspects of your oral hygiene.
Regular visits are also significant so the orthodontist can catch potential problems early. Our dental professional can show you the best way to brush and floss if you have a problem keeping clean teeth while wearing braces. You may want to clean after each meal or snack because you wear braces but check with our orthodontist first. Sometimes they may recommend a fluoride mouth rinse to help manage the buildup of plaque in places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. If you are interested in braces or would like to learn more, simply visit Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin and Inlet Beach, FL. We also serve residents in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, and Panama City. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
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