Keeping Good Oral Hygiene While in Braces

Posted on January 29, 2019

Keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces can be difficult, but not impossible. There are many different tools designed to help patients clean around their brackets and under wires while in orthodontic treatment.

Here are some helpful tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces:

1. Visit your dentist every 3-6 months for a cleaning. At Cardinal Orthodontics, we will even remove your wire before you go to your dentist appointment, to ensure you receive the best cleaning possible!
2. Brush after every meal – food can easily get stuck in brackets and behind wires.
3. Keep a proxy brush with you at all times. This will allow you to at least brush away any excess food in your brackets if you do not have a toothbrush with you on hand.
4. It is important to floss as much as possible when you have braces. We recommend flossing at least once a day when you have enough time and do not have to rush. If flossing around brackets and wires is too difficult for you, another option would be to purchase a Waterpik. Both are great options in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it just depends on  your personal preference.

Keeping good oral hygiene while in braces may require a little more effort, but the end result will be well worth it.