Traditional braces often make regular dental care a bit of a hassle as it’s hard to brush every area, floss between brackets, and keep food from getting stuck. Because this can be such a pain, many patients don’t keep their teeth as clean as they should, which poses a number of problems down the line.
While it can be difficult to maintain a thorough cleaning routine with braces, general dental care is very important for patients with braces. If teeth aren’t properly cared for, you may experience more cavities and staining, which leaves discolored spots on your teeth after braces are removed.
Ways to Keep Clean
We get it, brushing and flossing thoroughly aren’t such simple tasks when it comes to having traditional braces. There’s hard to reach places, and threading floss through braces can become tedious. Though brushing and flossing are still essential in protecting your teeth with braces, there are a few alternatives to help you maintain clean teeth:
- Water Flosser – Just like it sounds, a water flosser uses water pressure to clean in between teeth. They’re much easier and convenient to use.
- Electric Toothbrush – Much like water flossers, electric toothbrushes are much more efficient for patients with braces. They are able to attack hard-to-reach areas and give your gums a good clean.
- Go-Betweens – Specifically designed for braces, Go-Betweens fit right in between brace brackets for a more thorough clean. You can bring them on the go for cleaning after meals.
With these efficient alternatives to regular brushing and flossing, you can achieve clean teeth as your smile straightens. In addition to a thorough dental care routine, patients should visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Importance of Clean Braces
Like we said, oral hygiene is very important when it comes to having braces. Braces trap food quite easily, and when that food remains in your teeth the buildup of plaque increases. If plaque isn’t taken care of properly it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, making braces the least of your problems. Additionally, the bacteria and acids from remaining food can wear down your tooth enamel, which also leads to unhealthy and vulnerable teeth.
Kraus Orthodontics cares about your teeth, and we want to see sparking straight teeth when those braces come off. With proper dental care, you can avoid the many problems that often arise in patients with braces—so make sure to keep them clean! For additional questions, please make sure to contact us.
