Oral care professionals in Laguna Niguel clinics see patients with braces all the time. These dentists found that many of those patients do not know how to properly clean their teeth. Brackets, wires, and rubber bands can make eating tricky and brushing even trickier. Food and plaque can get stuck in between teeth and braces, leading to staining or cavities in the long term.

Your orthodontist or dentist in Laguna Niguel may be able to help you with a thorough cleaning. However, it is important to understand how to maintain good oral hygiene with braces even when you’re at home. 

Braces require extra care and attention. Most oral care professionals would recommend brushing your teeth after every meal to ensure that food is properly flushed out. However, this can be a little convenient for some people. So, if you are not able to brush your teeth, it is a good idea to rinse with water and carry around some disposable tools (floss, picks) that you can use to remove food particles between the wires. 

When you do finally get to brushing, dentists recommend taking a little extra time to thoroughly circle around the brackets. Also, be sure that you are not applying too much pressure to your mouth as this can damage the braces themselves and your gums. 

According to an oral surgeon in Mission Viejo Ca, extra soft toothbrushes are the best for people with braces. You can work them at an angle to reach the areas between the wires and around the brackets. Another tool that you may want to use in tandem with a quality toothbrush is a water flosser. 

In terms of toothpaste, most oral care professionals recommend using a formula with fluoride in order to protect the enamel on your teeth. However, holistic and biological dentists do not recommend any products with fluoride. Biological dentistry approaches are toward not only metal-free dentistry but also fluoride-free dentistry. You should avoid whitening formulas as they can lead to inconsistent shades of color on the surface of your teeth once the brackets are removed.

Flossing is a critical step in your oral care routine and this becomes even more evident when you have braces. There are certain products on the market that are made to accommodate the difficulties of wires and brackets with their shape and size. Dental flossers help reach the back of the mouth at more challenging angles than you may be able to achieve with loose floss. Some people prefer floss threaders, which can also make it easier to slip underneath the wires and thoroughly clean between the teeth. 

Finally, people with braces will also want to invest in a quality mouthwash that will promote oral health while remaining alcohol-free and fluoride-free. You should avoid alcohol or metal-based solutions as these can cause dry mouth, bad breath, and cavities. 

When you have the right tools and products at your disposal, you will be able to maintain proper oral hygiene with braces in between your orthodontist and dentist appointments. For other dental treatments in Orange County, like clear aligners or Invisalign, porcelain veneers, or dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with oral care professionals and determine how you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. 

To straighten your teeth with a top cosmetic dentist, please call or text us at (949) 364-9600  or visit our website at www.AriaDentalCare.com