If you are a have new set of braces, you only see metal when you smile. You may be wondering how you are going to brush your teeth when it seems like you can’t even see them. But brushing your teeth while you have your braces is not only possible, but it will be more important than ever.
As our orthodontist, Dr. Deji Fashemo can tell you, braces give plaque, food particles and bacteria extra places to hide and damage your teeth, so you will need to step up your brushing game. Normally you should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time twice a day and floss once a day. However, with braces, you should brush and floss thirty minutes after every meal and snack. You will also need to spend more time brushing. Take it slow and focus on one or two teeth at a time brushing in circular motions. Start by rinsing your mouth to remove any loose food debris. Then brush your gum line. Then brush from the top of your teeth down to the brackets, and then from the brackets down. Then brush along the wire. Then follow that by flossing your teeth. You may find it difficult to use traditional dental floss. If that is the case, talk to the orthodontist about using a water flosser, floss threader or floss pick. Then, rinse your mouth again.
With a little practice, it should take you no time at all to get the hang of brushing your teeth with braces in Dallas, Texas. But if you still have questions, contact Fourth Dimension Orthodontics & Craniofacial Orthopedics at our Dallas, Texas, number here: 72.947.2000 or our Allen, Texas, number here: 972.947.2200, and we’ll be happy to help.