Now that it’s April and spring has officially sprung, it’s time for spring cleaning! While you probably have lots of chores and projects on your to-do list, there’s one important part of your life that you shouldn’t forget to deep clean: your smile! Now is the best time to make sure you know how to keep your smile strong and sparkling if you wear braces. Here are some simple but effective tips to keep in mind that will help you spring clean your oral health!
The Basics of Brushing
Toothbrushing is a fundamental part of at-home oral hygiene, so it’s important that you’re doing it correctly! Twice a day, you should be brushing your mouth for a full two minutes, which is about 30 seconds per quadrant. Make sure to brush the front of your teeth, the back, and the chewing surfaces with small circular motions. And of course, double check to ensure you’re using an ADA-Approved fluoridated toothpaste!
There are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to your toothbrush as well. There are certain manual brushes that are specifically designed to help make brushing under and around wires and brackets easier. Small disposable or reusable interdental brushes could also be used to clean between your braces. At a slightly higher price point, you may want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush for thorough cleaning.
Fun with Flossing
Flossing has a reputation for being difficult, but it may sometimes feel downright impossible with braces. However, this crucial part of your dental routine keeps bacteria away from your gums and the roots of your teeth and lowers your risk of gum disease. Your orthodontist likely sent you home with flossing threaders to help you clean under your wires. There are also several different types of store-bought orthodontic flossing tools that you may find helpful, such as floss pics or the platypus flosser. Additionally, many orthodontists and orthodontic patients highly recommend water flossers, which assist with flossing and provide a cool splash of water for sore teeth.
Managing Your Mouthwash
If you didn’t before, now is an excellent opportunity to start using mouthwash on a regular basis. Since it’s a liquid, mouthwash can dislodge particles in hard-to-reach places that you might have missed while brushing. Their antiseptic qualities will help fight off bacteria and lower inflammation, and many contain elements like fluoride to help keep your teeth strong and healthy as well. Just remember, mouthwash is designed to be used alongside brushing and flossing — it shouldn’t be used as a substitute!
Oral hygiene is always important, but it’s crucial for ensuring your orthodontic treatment stays on track. Keep these simple tips in mind to spring clean your way to a healthier smile!
About the Practice
Our talented and experienced team here at Milton Orthodontics goes above and beyond to ensure everyone can achieve the smile of their dreams. Not only do we offer a wide variety of orthodontic services for smiles of all ages, but we work hard to create a friendly office environment that you and your family enjoy visiting. We are dedicated to helping your treatment go as smoothly as possible, and we’ll be with you every step of the way with personalized tips for your unique smile! To learn more about cleaning your braces, we can be contacted online or at (617) 698-8883.
