Difference between revisions of "Brush Your Teeth With Braces On"
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| − | Braces are applied to teeth to align and straighten them.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/braces-and-retainers</ref> These devices correct the position of teeth, improve your smile’s appearance, keep your mouth healthy and improve speech — so wearing them is well worth it. However, if proper brushing techniques are not followed, you can be left with stains, cavities or infected gum tissue. Plaque and food collect on the braces and must be removed regularly.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/care-of-braces-retainers</ref> If you wear braces, this article will help you learn proper techniques to maintain them and keep your mouth healthy. | + | Braces are applied to teeth to align and straighten them.<ref name="rf1">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/braces-and-retainers</ref> These devices correct the position of teeth, improve your smile’s appearance, keep your mouth healthy and improve speech — so wearing them is well worth it. However, if proper brushing techniques are not followed, you can be left with stains, cavities or infected gum tissue. Plaque and food collect on the braces and must be removed regularly.<ref name="rf2">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/care-of-braces-retainers</ref> If you wear braces, this article will help you learn proper techniques to maintain them and keep your mouth healthy. |
[[Category:Cleaning Teeth]] | [[Category:Cleaning Teeth]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Brushing=== | ===Brushing=== | ||
#Choose your toothbrush. Though a regular toothbrush will work, you might consider an electric or sonic toothbrush designed for cleaning around braces, and make sure you are using the right amount of pressure, allowing the head to rotate completely. This will provide a more effective cleaning and save you time. | #Choose your toothbrush. Though a regular toothbrush will work, you might consider an electric or sonic toothbrush designed for cleaning around braces, and make sure you are using the right amount of pressure, allowing the head to rotate completely. This will provide a more effective cleaning and save you time. | ||
| − | #*Use an interdental brush with an angled head and brush that can fit around your braces. Oral-B has an Interdental Brush System with a triangular replaceable brush head that will work well.<ref>http://www.oralb.com/topics/oral-care-with-braces.aspx</ref> | + | #*Use an interdental brush with an angled head and brush that can fit around your braces. Oral-B has an Interdental Brush System with a triangular replaceable brush head that will work well.<ref name="rf3">http://www.oralb.com/topics/oral-care-with-braces.aspx</ref> |
#*If you choose a regular electric or sonic toothbrush, know that it can be very difficult to maneuver the brush well enough in your mouth with braces on. The bristles will also likely wear down a lot faster because they will catch in your braces. | #*If you choose a regular electric or sonic toothbrush, know that it can be very difficult to maneuver the brush well enough in your mouth with braces on. The bristles will also likely wear down a lot faster because they will catch in your braces. | ||
#*If you use a regular toothbrush, you will need to brush your teeth with the bristles angled both upwards and downwards to get a good clean over your braces. | #*If you use a regular toothbrush, you will need to brush your teeth with the bristles angled both upwards and downwards to get a good clean over your braces. | ||
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#*Consider using a water flosser — a device with an electronic water jet ideal for those with braces. These items work like flossing by getting rid of food and plaque in crevices toothbrushes can't reach. | #*Consider using a water flosser — a device with an electronic water jet ideal for those with braces. These items work like flossing by getting rid of food and plaque in crevices toothbrushes can't reach. | ||
#Use mouthwash. After flossing, put a capful of mouthwash (or follow directions) in your mouth and swish it around for at least 30 seconds. Use mouthwash that specifically states it helps rid your mouth of gingivitis. | #Use mouthwash. After flossing, put a capful of mouthwash (or follow directions) in your mouth and swish it around for at least 30 seconds. Use mouthwash that specifically states it helps rid your mouth of gingivitis. | ||
| − | #*A fluoride mouthwash rinse may also be beneficial. The rinse can get into spaces that a toothbrush is not able to reach and help protect against cavities. <ref | + | #*A fluoride mouthwash rinse may also be beneficial. The rinse can get into spaces that a toothbrush is not able to reach and help protect against cavities. <ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Try filling the tank of your water flosser with half mouthwash, half water. This allows you to get mouthwash in the crevices of your teeth. | #*Try filling the tank of your water flosser with half mouthwash, half water. This allows you to get mouthwash in the crevices of your teeth. | ||
#*Spit the mouthwash out and do a quick rinse with some warm water. | #*Spit the mouthwash out and do a quick rinse with some warm water. | ||
#Gargle with salt water twice a day. Gargle once in the morning and once in the evening. It may sting at first if you have a sore, but can actually be soothing to minor mouth injuries. This also works to prevent gingivitis. | #Gargle with salt water twice a day. Gargle once in the morning and once in the evening. It may sting at first if you have a sore, but can actually be soothing to minor mouth injuries. This also works to prevent gingivitis. | ||
| − | #Rinse your toothbrush before and after brushing. The last thing you need to do is feed gingivitis with bacteria and food particles left on your toothbrush. Always rinse your toothbrush under hot water. Run your finger up and down the bristles to rid of any food particles you left behind from last time. <ref>http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-toothbrush-care-cleaning-storage-and-</ref> | + | #Rinse your toothbrush before and after brushing. The last thing you need to do is feed gingivitis with bacteria and food particles left on your toothbrush. Always rinse your toothbrush under hot water. Run your finger up and down the bristles to rid of any food particles you left behind from last time. <ref name="rf4">http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-toothbrush-care-cleaning-storage-and-</ref> |
#*Store your toothbrush upright and where it the bristles can air dry. | #*Store your toothbrush upright and where it the bristles can air dry. | ||
#*Consider soaking your toothbrushes in chlorhexidine mouthwash to kill more germs. | #*Consider soaking your toothbrushes in chlorhexidine mouthwash to kill more germs. | ||
===Maintaining Your Smile=== | ===Maintaining Your Smile=== | ||
| − | #Replace your toothbrushes regularly. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three months or more often if the brush becomes worn down. When the bristles are frayed, the toothbrush won’t clean your teeth as well. <ref | + | #Replace your toothbrushes regularly. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three months or more often if the brush becomes worn down. When the bristles are frayed, the toothbrush won’t clean your teeth as well. <ref name="rf4" /> |
#*If you have an interdental toothbrush, you will also want to replace the head often. If your orthodontist doesn't give you a replacement, they are available at some stores. It's great to carry one around with you! | #*If you have an interdental toothbrush, you will also want to replace the head often. If your orthodontist doesn't give you a replacement, they are available at some stores. It's great to carry one around with you! | ||
#Watch what you eat. The best way to protect your teeth to damage is to keep food that damages teeth or braces out. | #Watch what you eat. The best way to protect your teeth to damage is to keep food that damages teeth or braces out. | ||
#*Avoid foods that are hard or difficult to chew, like apples, taffy, caramels, corn on the cob, hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts, carrots or bagels. | #*Avoid foods that are hard or difficult to chew, like apples, taffy, caramels, corn on the cob, hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts, carrots or bagels. | ||
| − | #*Don't chew on ice or bubble gum.<ref | + | #*Don't chew on ice or bubble gum.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Cut back or avoid sugar completely. Sugary foods and soda rot your teeth and cause plaque that can lead to gingivitis.<ref>http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces</ref> | + | #*Cut back or avoid sugar completely. Sugary foods and soda rot your teeth and cause plaque that can lead to gingivitis.<ref name="rf5">http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces</ref> |
| − | #Eat a well-balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals found in a healthy diet of fiber, protein, good fats and some carbohydrates will help you fight and keep gingivitis away. Eating well also sustains good health overall, which is just as important. Look for nutritious, high fiber foods like raspberries, whole grains, bananas, greens, squash and other soft fruit.<ref | + | #Eat a well-balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals found in a healthy diet of fiber, protein, good fats and some carbohydrates will help you fight and keep gingivitis away. Eating well also sustains good health overall, which is just as important. Look for nutritious, high fiber foods like raspberries, whole grains, bananas, greens, squash and other soft fruit.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Clean your teeth after every meal. It may seem like a pain, but it is crucial! Gingivitis forms in 48 hours. It can happen from lack of brushing, flossing or improper technique. Not brushing after eating can also cause stains on your teeth when you get your braces off. <ref | + | #Clean your teeth after every meal. It may seem like a pain, but it is crucial! Gingivitis forms in 48 hours. It can happen from lack of brushing, flossing or improper technique. Not brushing after eating can also cause stains on your teeth when you get your braces off. <ref name="rf2" /> |
#Get regular cleanings with your hygienist/orthodontist. You should have a yearly exam and cleaning at minimum and more often if you have bleeding or a history of gingivitis. If you can, get an appointment after your tightening. Chances are, you'll have to get the hydro-cleaning as it is sometimes tricky for hygienists to manipulate around your device. | #Get regular cleanings with your hygienist/orthodontist. You should have a yearly exam and cleaning at minimum and more often if you have bleeding or a history of gingivitis. If you can, get an appointment after your tightening. Chances are, you'll have to get the hydro-cleaning as it is sometimes tricky for hygienists to manipulate around your device. | ||
#*The use of water instead of the pick by dental personnel is very helpful for those with gingivitis. Ask if they can use the water jet or do air polishing, which involves baking soda. | #*The use of water instead of the pick by dental personnel is very helpful for those with gingivitis. Ask if they can use the water jet or do air polishing, which involves baking soda. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
