How to Clean Your Braces
Braces may help you achieve a beautiful, straight smile, but they also require special maintenance. Keeping your braces clean is especially important, as plaque and food particles can build up on the metal and cause discoloration or even tooth decay. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your braces for optimum oral health.
Brush After Eating
The best way to keep your braces clean is by brushing them after every meal or snack. Make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to get rid of any food particles that may have become stuck in the brackets or wires. It’s also important to brush around the brackets, not just in between them. This will ensure that all areas are completely clean and free of debris. Bruising after eating every time will help you clear out any stuck bits of food that can get trapped between your wires and brackets. If you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, start brushing after every meal.
Use Floss/Toothpick Brushes
In addition to brushing after meals and snacks, it’s also helpful to use toothpick brushes on a regular basis. These small brushes are designed specifically for cleaning around braces and can help reduce the amount of plaque buildup on the metal surfaces of your braces. They come in both disposable and reusable varieties, so you can choose which one works best for you. While these small brushes may not seem like a necessity, they will certainly pay dividends if you use them.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another great tool for keeping your braces clean and free from bacteria buildup. When used regularly, mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup along with bad breath caused by food particles caught in the wires of your braces. Just make sure to rinse with plain water afterward so that the acidity of the mouthwash doesn’t damage your teeth or gums over time! Using a mouthwash rinse can also help dislodge food stuck in your brackets and wires, so try using a mouthwash daily.
Taking proper care of your braces is essential for achieving a healthy smile once they’re removed — and these simple steps can help make sure that happens! Regular brushing after meals and snacks, using pick brushes when needed, and rinsing with mouthwash will go a long way toward keeping your braces clean at all times. With consistent care like this, you’ll be well on your way toward achieving that perfect smile!
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