Did you recently get braces? They may alter how you care for your smile. You should still brush your teeth, perhaps even more frequently than before, but you may have to adapt how you’ve do it slightly. We would like to assist you in making these changes to help you keep your dental health.
The brackets on your braces can be excellent places for food to get caught in, which could ultimately lead to gum disease or tooth decay. You could use a soft-bristled toothbrush that has thin bristles to help clean the wires and brackets. You should know that toothbrushes may need to be replaced more frequently when you have braces because they could wear out faster.
If your braces have removable elastics, they may need to be removed before you brush. You may use a 45-degree angle where your gums meet and a gentle back and forth motion with the brush. Your braces should be brushed along the top, front, and bottom of the brackets and the wire with enough pressure that the bristles can push gently against them. After your teeth are brushed, you can rinse your mouth, check for remaining food particles and replace your elastics.
For additional advice on brushing with braces, or if would like an appointment with Dr. Wendy Chen, please give a member of our team a call at 817-581-4031. Our number one concern at Wendy Chen Orthodontics is your dental health in Colleyville, Texas.