7 Ways to Keep Your Braces Clean
Do you have braces? It must be difficult for you to keep them properly cleaned. The braces themselves time and again act as a physical hurdle between you and your teeth. It at times gets nearly impossible to clean both braces and your teeth suitably. Keeping your braces hygienic, nevertheless, is exceptionally important. It is as important as keeping your mouth clean.
This write-up intends to share a few tips to help you keep your braces clean and enjoy a healthy mouth.
7 Ways to Keep Your Braces Clean by Dentist Burbank
1. Eat the Right Diet
Keep yourself away from eating foods that can easily get stuck between your teeth or brackets. A list of the most common foods to stay away from:
- Nuts
- Chips
- Corn
- Popcorn
- Beef jerky
- Caramel
- Carrots
These foods can damage your teeth but it can be difficult to give these things up. If you do choose to eat these foods, limit the amount and be extra cautious when eating them. Acidic drinks and foods can harm your tooth enamel. Sugary foods can lead to cavities and in due course cause tooth decay.
2. Get an Electric Toothbrush
Not all toothbrushes, to put in simple words, work the same. Regular toothbrushes aren’t enough to clean your teeth appropriately. If possible, try to get your hands on an electric toothbrush.
Even some toothbrushes are specially designed for cleaning around braces. These brushes help you eliminate the food that collects between your teeth and braces. Interdental brushes are great for cleaning between the teeth. This is because they can be inserted easily into the spaces between your teeth.
3. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing can be a little complicated if you have braces. This is because of the wires jamming the gaps in between your teeth. Nevertheless, flossing is an essential step in your dental care schedule. There are a number of flossing methods. You can go for a floss pick; a plastic stick with a small piece of floss at the end.
The best option for people with braces is to floss with water. It works by pushing water through the breach of your teeth to eliminate built-up food and plaque.
4. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great dental care product. If you have braces, it is best to use mouthwash. Keeping your mouth clean especially if you have braces is important, as you are more prone to plaque buildup. After you brush and floss, follow with mouthwash to remove any leftover bacteria. Mouthwash is also effective at controlling bad breath.
5. Salt Water Rinse
Dentists recommend patients gargle with salt water after getting their braces on. This is because it can relieve discomfort, decrease inflammation, and keep your teeth clean.
6. See Your Dentist Regularly
As long as you have braces on your teeth, you should make it a point to visit your dentist regularly so they can make adjustments if needed. If you notice that the appliance is not in ideal condition, it will not serve its function appropriately. Loose brackets, broken wires, loose bands, and loose spacers are some common problems that individuals with braces experience.
7. Use Aloe Vera to Reduce Inflammation
When you tighten your braces, it can lead to discomfort and ignite your gums. Soreness can cause puffiness and uneasiness. To relieve the swelling, you may apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your gums. Aloe vera works great to eliminate bacteria in your mouth. The powerful antioxidants in aloe vera fight free radicals and check gum infections, gingivitis, or other mouth irritations.
Contact MyDentistBurbank for Burbank Braces
If you consider you are facing problems in keeping your braces clean consider visiting us. We are a proud provider of excellent dental care in the Burbank area.
Contact us at 8185782332 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sahakyan.