Getting braces for correcting and straightening your teeth is easy but maintaining those braces is difficult. It is because braces increase the chances of plaque buildup and create a shelf outside your teeth which makes them harder to clean. 

The plaque buildup can also stain teeth and wear away tooth enamel. Consequently, keeping your braces clean is crucial. It will ensure that your treatment is effective and that your smile stays healthy.

But keeping your teeth clean with braces can sound like a challenge to many. The only way to deal with the same is by choosing a separate toothbrush and brushing between your braces. 

Andy Agrawal, who runs a reputed house cleaning company in San Diego and has a deep background in dental knowledge, shares some useful tips to keep braces clean and healthy.

How To Keep Braces Clean? 

Merely having braces for correcting your teeth does not get the job done. You also need to look after your braces from time to time and ensure they are in good condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your braces. 

Special toothbrush for braces

The first thing to bear in mind when cleaning your teeth with braces is getting a special toothbrush. You can consider adding a proxabrush to your regular toothbrush so that you can get between brackets.

Also, take note of the brush size and shape. It should be able to fit in your mouth well. Consequently, be careful while getting a special toothbrush, and do not forget to replace it after every 3-4 months. 

Brush your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth consistently goes a long way in keeping your braces clean. You should brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to thoroughly clean your teeth, gums, and braces. 

Besides this, brush all surfaces of your teeth and braces, including the brackets, wires, and rubber bands.

Also Read: The Impact Of Good Oral Health On Overall Health

Floss regularly

Besides brushing your teeth, also consider flossing regularly. Make sure to floss once a day, as this will remove any food particles or plaque that may have accumulated between your teeth and braces. 

Simply wrap the floss around your middle finger and feed the floss between the top of your tooth and the main arch. You can use a floss threader or Waterpik to help you get between your braces and teeth. Using this also helps you to eliminate the plague. 

If you face trouble using a floss threader, then you can also cleanse using a stream of water as it is a quick way to do so. Also, ask your orthodontist if there is any particular type of floss you should be using. 

Antiseptic mouth rinse 

You can also clean your braces with an antiseptic mouth rinse. Once you have brushed and flossed, rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Doing so will reduce the chances of plague which is a major concern for people with braces. 

Mouthwash is not only effective in removing plaque but is also known for clearing lingering food particles and bacteria. Care must be taken while buying the mouthwash. Buy a mouthwash with chlorheixidine as many dentists and oral care professionals prescribe this. 

Mouthwash containing alcohol is not regarded as good for your teeth as it causes bad breath. 

Say no to sugary and sticky foods

The next best way to maintain your braces is to avoid sugary and sticky foods. Sugary and sticky foods can easily get stuck in your braces, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and decay. 

To keep your braces and teeth healthy, avoid consuming these types of foods as much as possible. Instead, opt for healthier food options like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Avoid using too much toothpaste 

Another effective way to maintain your braces is by avoiding using too much toothpaste. Using too much toothpaste will create foam and make it difficult for you to see the plague and debris.

So, the best way to deal with this is to simply brush your teeth with a wet brush first and use a precise motion instead of scrubbing hard. After this, use a little amount of toothpaste and begin cleaning with it. 

Eat healthy, stay healthy 

Maintaining a healthy diet can also increase the life of your braces and teeth. Instead of taking junk foods, consider taking lean proteins, legumes, and other healthy stuff to keep your braces in good condition. 

Eating sticky foods can get stuck in your mouth which in turn can damage your braces and teeth. 

Avoid grinding your teeth 

In addition to the above-mentioned things, also ensure not to grind or clench your teeth as this could damage your braces. For this, you can use a mouth guard but make sure to ask your dentist about the same before using it. 

Also, avoid biting your nails or opening bottles with your teeth as this can also damage your braces. 

Visit your orthodontist 

Regular visits to your orthodontist are essential to ensure that your braces are functioning correctly and whether your treatment is progressing as planned or not. Your orthodontist will also clean your braces and make the desired adjustments.

Consequently, make sure to visit your dentist and orthodontist twice a year and abide by his instructions to get the full worth of your money. 

Also Read: Teeth Numbered: Why You Need to Know the Tooth Chart

Bonus Tips: How To Look Beautiful Even in Braces

In order to get a beautiful smile and precise tooth alignment, braces are a frequent orthodontic therapy. Nonetheless, many people frequently worry about their looks during the course of treatment and feel self-conscious about wearing braces. The good news is that there are a number of attractive ways to look when wearing braces. Here are a few extra pointers:

Pick the proper color for your braces

There are many different colors of braces available; choose the ones that go with your skin tone and sense of fashion. While lighter hues like silver or white can blend in with your teeth and lessen the visibility of the braces, darker hues like navy blue or burgundy can make your teeth appear whiter.

Put on some makeup

Cosmetics can enhance your facial characteristics and detract from braces. To highlight your lips and eyes, try using bright lipstick or striking eyeshadow.

Accessorize

By donning accessories like hair clips, earrings, or necklaces, you can improve your entire appearance and draw attention away from your braces.

The best accessory you can wear, even with braces, is a confident smile. Be at peace when you smile, and be assured and proud of your braces. Keep in mind that the course of therapy is just temporary, and the outcome will be worthwhile.

In a nutshell, wearing braces may appear to be a barrier to beauty, but with the correct attitude and a few straightforward tips, you may still feel and look beautiful while wearing braces.

Final Thoughts 

Keeping your braces clean is crucial to ensuring the success of your treatment and maintaining a healthy smile. By following these tips, you can keep your braces clean and ensure your smile stays healthy. Also, be in touch with your orthodontist to make sure your braces are doing well.