Ottawa Orthodontics | Specialized Care

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more crucial when you have braces. The brackets and wires create additional places for food particles and plaque to hide, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This comprehensive guide will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Why Oral Hygiene is Extra Important with Braces

Braces create small spaces around the brackets where food can become trapped and plaque can accumulate. Without proper cleaning, this can lead to several problems:

⚠White spot lesions: Permanent discoloration on the teeth that remains after braces are removed
⚠Cavities: Tooth decay that requires dental treatment
⚠Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums that can progress to more serious gum disease
⚠Bad breath: Unpleasant odor caused by bacteria in the mouth
⚠Longer treatment time: Poor oral hygiene can potentially extend your time in braces

Essential Oral Hygiene Tools for Braces

Having the right tools makes maintaining oral hygiene with braces much easier. Here are the essential items you should have:

1Orthodontic Toothbrush

An orthodontic toothbrush has a special design with V-shaped bristles that clean effectively around brackets. You can also use a soft-bristled regular toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head attachment.

2Interdental Brushes

These small, cone-shaped brushes can reach between brackets and under wires where regular toothbrushes can't reach. They're excellent for removing food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.

3Water Flosser

A water flosser uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque between teeth and around brackets. It's particularly helpful for braces wearers since traditional flossing can be challenging.

4Floss Threaders or Orthodontic Floss

These tools help you thread regular dental floss under the archwire so you can floss between your teeth. Alternatively, orthodontic floss has a stiff end that can be easily threaded under wires.

5Fluoride Mouthwash

A fluoride mouthwash helps strengthen tooth enamel and reach areas that brushing might miss. Look for alcohol-free options to avoid drying out your mouth.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine with Braces

★Morning and Night Routine (Essential)

1Rinse with water: Before brushing, rinse your mouth with water to loosen food particles.
2Brush thoroughly: Spend at least 2 minutes brushing, paying special attention to the areas around brackets and along the gumline.
3Use interdental brushes: Clean between brackets and under wires with an interdental brush.
4Floss: Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean between teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline.
5Rinse with fluoride mouthwash: Finish with a therapeutic mouthwash to reach any missed areas.

★After Every Meal (Quick Cleaning)

1Rinse thoroughly: Swish water around your mouth to dislodge obvious food particles.
2Brush if possible: Even a quick 30-second brush can remove most food particles.
3Use interdental brushes on the go: Keep some in your bag for quick cleanings when away from home.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Preventing damage to your braces is also part of good oral hygiene. Avoid these foods to reduce the risk of broken brackets and wires:

✗Hard foods: Nuts, hard candies, ice, and raw vegetables
✗Sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and sticky candy
✗Chewy foods: Bagels, licorice, beef jerky, and dense breads
✗Foods you bite into: Corn on the cob, whole apples, and carrots

Regular Dental Check-ups

In addition to your orthodontic appointments, continue seeing your regular dentist every six months for professional cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can provide a more thorough cleaning around your braces and identify any potential issues early.

The Long-term Benefits

The extra effort you put into oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment pays off with:

✓A more beautiful result when your braces come off
✓Reduced risk of permanent staining or decay
✓Healthier gums that provide a strong foundation for your newly aligned teeth
✓Potentially shorter treatment time
✓Habits that contribute to lifelong oral health

Need More Guidance?

If you're struggling with any aspect of oral hygiene with your braces, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We can provide personalized advice, demonstrate proper techniques, and recommend specific products for your needs.

Contact Our Team

Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene with Braces