When it comes to having braces fitted, one of the concerns we hear from our patients is less focused on the physical appearance of braces in their mouth, but around maintaining good dental hygiene during treatment – particularly in ensuring their teeth stay free from small bits of food.
At The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, our team are passionate about empowering our patients to adopt good routines for dental health. So, we’ve put together some key tips and considerations around keeping your teeth clean while in braces.
Invest in a good toothbrush
The first thing to note about your daily oral hygiene routine with braces is that you should be prepared to spend longer than you would typically on maintaining good oral health. If possible, we recommend you brush three times a day.
It’s up to you whether you use a standard or electric toothbrush, but it’s good to bear in mind the consistent power an electric toothbrush provides, as well as more thorough movements to clean the whole tooth and gumline. The Waterpik is also a good device for cleaning.
Brush your teeth after every meal
When you’re wearing braces, plaque can build up more easily around the brackets and small particles of food can become easily trapped around them. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ensure you brush your teeth after every meal or snack, rinsing your mouth with water to help loosen the particles. Check out some of our recipe posts for nutritional meals that are easy to make and ideal for those wearing braces.
Additionally, recent research has found that interdental cleaning (such as floss or interdental brushes) before brushing your teeth is the best way to clean your teeth effectively, as it helps to loosen food from between your teeth. An interdental toothbrush will help you clean those harder to reach areas whilst wearing braces.
Hygiene appointments that fit around your orthodontic treatment
Seeing a professional hygienist regularly is a great way to ensure your teeth look and feel sparkling clean, with or without braces, helping to remove plaque, treat discolouration and remove stains. We often encourage our patients to see a hygienist whilst undergoing orthodontic treatment and can even make arrangements to remove your brace wires for a thorough and effective hygiene session at the clinic.
If in doubt, consult your orthodontist
You’ll have regular orthodontic sessions to review your treatment progress and replace your brace wires so, if you have any questions or concerns around maintaining a good oral hygiene, this is the best time to ask for advice. At The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, our team are passionate advocates of good dental health and will be happy to advise you on maintaining a good routine. Plus, as part of your aftercare package with us, we’ll be happy to advise you for up to a year following!
Have you been considering orthodontic treatment, but don’t know where to start or what your best options are? Click here to view the consultation options at The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic or call us on 020 7486 2883.
