Dental Hygiene with Braces

Braces are wire-based devices that the Burbank orthodontist, Dr. Sahakyan uses to correct crowded and misaligned teeth or jaws. There are many benefits of braces, including straight teeth, better dental function, and an attractive smile. Before you leave the dental office, dentists at My Dentist Burbank will give you some recommendations for caring for your braces. Taking care of braces includes two common categories: oral hygiene and dental diet.

Oral Hygiene in Patients with Braces

Oral hygiene is very important during orthodontic treatment. During this period the risk of cavities and other dental diseases increases.  Therefore, the main rule when wearing braces is strict adherence to oral hygiene.

When wearing braces, food particles remain not only between the teeth but also fall into the spaces between the braces system elements. Here also accumulates plaque, which contains bacteria that gradually destroy the enamel of the teeth.

Dr. Sahakyan, at My Dentist Burbank, requires a mandatory and thorough cleaning of the teeth after each meal. It is recommended to use the following oral hygiene methods:

Toothbrush for cleaning braces

Burbank dentist advises using a special soft toothbrush, which has bristles on the edges of a standard height and is shorter in the center. It makes brushing your teeth under the structures more comfortable and more efficient. Brush your teeth no later than 15 minutes after eating.

To effectively clean hard-to-reach places like wisdom teeth or gaps between teeth, a compact small spiral dental brush (sometimes called an “interproximal brush” or a “proxy brush”) for braces will be useful. When wearing braces you need to brush at least 3 times per day, instead of the regular 2 times per day brushing for patients without braces. Additionally, if you have braces you need to visit the dentist at least 3 times per year, instead of 2 times per year, for a professional cleaning.

Toothpaste for cleaning braces

Toothpaste must contain fluoride and calcium to strengthen tooth enamel. Look for a toothpaste that promotes tartar control. Tartar is a hard substance. If it gets accumulated on your teeth, it can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Do not use toothpaste that is designed for whitening. If you do so it will whiten just the visible area of the tooth. Later when the metal braces are removed, there will be spots of different colors.

Dental floss for cleaning braces

Dental flossing removes the food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. It best of all copes with the atraumatic cleaning of the interdental spaces. Dentists recommend their use not only to patients with braces but also to all people. They prevent the development of cavities in places of close contact with neighboring teeth. Our dentists also recommend a special orthodontic floss. You can see special braces floss in the picture. As you can see it is designed, so it can reach under the braces also.

Mouth rinses die cleaning braces

Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride may prevent tooth decay and help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Rinse your mouth 3 times a day and after each meal.

Oral irrigator for cleaning braces

An oral irrigator is a special device for the thorough removal of food debris and soft plaque from hard-to-reach places. It delivers water or a special cleaning solution to the oral cavity under pressure. The powerful jet of views perfectly removes microscopic food residues and plaque from all tooth surfaces. This is one of the most convenient and effective means of oral hygiene with braces.

Dental diet for wearing braces

In order not to damage the orthodontic apparatus and not to break the fixation of braces, all hard, and crunchy foods as well as very hot or cold food should be excluded from the diet.

• Avoid sticky foods — such as chewy candies, taffy, and caramel, chewing gum. They can pull off braces, wires, and bands.
• Avoid crunchy or hard foods — such as hard candies, raw carrots, ice, nuts, and popcorn. They can break your braces.
• Eat more organic foods, fruits, and vegetables that are soft.

Professional teeth cleaning when wearing braces

Be sure to undergo the procedure of professional teeth cleaning at least every four months instead of every six months. This will eliminate hard and soft deposits that are in hard-to-reach areas. Also, the remineralization of the oral cavity is desirable. In addition, even in the absence of complaints, preventive visits to the Burbank dentist are necessary.

Dr. Sahakyan, at My Dentist Burbank, delivers top-notch orthodontic care to both children and adults. Each patient learns why dental hygiene is important when wearing braces. Dr. Sahakyan helps his patients from the initial exam and treatment stage to the retainer stage and beyond. If you want to schedule an appointment, please call 1-818-578-2332.