SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
There are a lot of people in the world that wear braces, and if you are one of them, you know how important it is to keep your teeth clean. When wearing braces, you must pay special attention while cleaning your teeth and gums. Oral hygiene is very important. Suppose you do not take good care of your teeth while wearing braces. Food particles buildup around your brackets and wires could cause cavities and gum disease. If you or someone you know has braces, then this article is a great choice to read. Let the dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry go over the best ways to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces.
Technique
When wearing braces brushing your teeth is going to take some time and care. Brushing each tooth at the gum line and above and below the brackets is important. This will help ensure you have removed any food particles that may have been stuck. Make sure you are holding your toothbrush at an angle and brush every tooth. Brush your teeth for at least 2-3 minutes. Our dentists here at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush, or if you want to spend a little more money, an electric toothbrush.
Repetition
Brushing your teeth twice a day, usually in the morning and at night, is recommended by the American Dental Association. If you have braces, we recommend brushing after every time you eat. Brush in the morning, brush after lunch and dinner, and before you go to bed. Brushing your teeth this often will wear out your toothbrush so have some backups ready when it’s time to replace them. If you are unsure which toothbrush to purchase, ask one of our knowledgeable staff. They will be happy to help.
Other tools to look for
Besides just brushing your teeth, our dentists here at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry recommend you floss daily as well. Flossing with braces can be a challenge with regular dental floss because it’s hard to get around those brackets and wires. We recommend you purchase orthodontic dental floss. Another great tool to clean between those brackets is an interdental brush. This is a small tool that is used to remove food that may be stuck in the arch wire or in between brackets. Using this interdental brush before brushing and flossing can help with your overall hygiene while wearing braces.
Use fluoride
When choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. Look for the ADA seal on the box. You can also buy a mouth wash that has fluoride in it. By using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride, you are safeguarding your mouth from tooth decay and also strengthening your enamel.
Orthodontics in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz
Wearing braces corrects crooked teeth and helps improve overall oral health. It’s much easier to keep your teeth clean and can help with any bite issues you might have. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, Drs. Ariana and Max are happy to provide orthodontic treatment for patients seeking straight teeth. We also see children and can help make the best decision regarding their oral health. Call (831) 438-4411 today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
