Maintaining clean braces and a healthy mouth is an important part of the process of realigning your teeth. Cavities and periodontal health problems can cause discomfort, and could potentially increase the amount of time it takes to effectively correct the position and orientation of your teeth.
At the same time, orthodontic components like brackets, wires, bands, and spacers can sometimes prove challenging to clean with your standard soft-bristled toothbrush. Some elements, like wires, might also make it challenging to effectively floss the gumline.
To help aid in your daily oral hygiene efforts, you might want to try including one or two special oral hygiene tools in your regimen.
An interdental brush is basically a miniature toothbrush with a tapered brush head. This can be especially helpful for cleaning hard to reach places around braces components. It might also handy for removing small food particles from bands and spacers.
A special water flosser device such as a Waterpik® might also help to loosen and wash away food deposits. Just keep in mind that this is it is not meant to fully replace the ability of dental floss to clean between teeth and the gumline.
If you’re having trouble flossing around wires and other orthodontic components, to clear the gumline, you might want to try using a floss threader. When this simple tool is loaded with waxed dental floss it can help insert the strand of dental floss in place while reducing your chances of accidentally snapping it into your gums.
If you had braces installed at [practice_name]’s orthodontic clinic in [city], [state] and you have an oral hygiene question, you can always call [phone] to speak to Dr. [doctor_name] or a member of [hisher] staff.