How to Maintain Oral Hygiene with Braces

Now that you are receiving affordable orthodontic care from one of our Utah Orthodontic Care locations, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Your braces are working hard to straighten your teeth, but the overall health of your mouth is still dependent on you. Gum disease, plaque build up, and tooth decay are still possible, and in some cases more likely, with braces or clear aligner treatments. Continue reading to learn about the importance of good oral hygiene as well as some best practices you should follow while wearing braces.

Why is Oral Hygiene Important?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial not only for a bright smile but also for your overall health. Here are some key reasons why you should prioritize your oral care:

Earlier Detection of Oral Diseases: Regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing can help detect early signs of diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or even oral cancer. Early detection can lead to simpler, more effective treatments.
Prevents Tooth Loss: Good oral hygiene helps in keeping your teeth strong and in place. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which are major causes of tooth loss in adults. By keeping your mouth clean, you extend the life of your natural teeth.
Minimizes Complications from Other Diseases: There’s a significant link between oral health and systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory infections. Poor oral health can exacerbate these conditions, while good hygiene can help in managing or even preventing some complications.
Improves Your Confidence: A healthy, attractive smile boosts self-esteem and confidence. Good oral hygiene prevents bad breath, stains, and other aesthetic issues that might make one self-conscious in social or professional settings.

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene with Braces

Now that you understand the importance of oral hygiene, let’s talk about the best tips you can follow to maintain your oral health while wearing braces.

smiling girl with braces holding large slice of watermelon

Eat the Right Foods

Certain foods can easily get trapped in your braces, so you need to be careful about what you eat. Eat softer foods that won’t get caught in the wires of your braces. Avoid foods that are sugary and sticky, since these tend to cling to the wires. If you do eat something that gets stuck in your braces, be sure to clean it out as soon as you can. Visit our exciting Pinterest board for many braces-friendly recipe ideas!

If you opted for Invisalign, you will be able to remove your clear plastic aligners when you eat. However, be sure to clean your clear aligners and your teeth after each meal.

Take Care of Your Braces And Aligners

To maintain your braces, it is important that you thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should also floss well and rinse after brushing. Sometimes, food will still get caught in your braces in hard-to-reach areas. Using a proxabrush, designed specifically for brushing under braces wires and in tight spaces, will help. If you’re wearing clear aligners, use an antibacterial soft soap to wash your aligners and keep them in their protective case when you are not wearing them. Visit our Pinterest board for tips on caring for your braces!

Keep Your Retainer and Aligners Clean

If you are using retainers or Invisalign clear aligners for treatment, you will still need to brush, floss, and rinse twice a day. In addition to cleaning your teeth, brush your retainer or aligner gently to avoid scratching your plastic aligners. Regularly soaking and sanitizing your retainer and aligners with cleaning tablets for dentures can also prevent an odd taste from developing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed. However, if possible, brushing after each meal can help remove food particles and reduce the risk of plaque buildup.

Can mouthwash replace brushing or flossing?

No, mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing or flossing. It can reach places that a toothbrush can’t, helping to reduce bacteria and freshen breath, but it does not remove plaque or debris from between teeth and under the gums.

How do I know if my oral hygiene routine is effective?

Indicators of a good oral hygiene routine include fresh breath, no visible plaque or tartar, pink and firm gums, and no tooth pain or sensitivity. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial to confirm your practices are effective.

Is there a link between oral health and overall health?

Yes, there is a strong connection. Poor oral health can contribute to or worsen conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Good oral hygiene can help in managing these conditions and improving overall health outcomes.

What Our Patients Say About Us

Our customers love our service! Here are some of their glowing reviews:

“This clinic is AWESOME! Everyone is so friendly and the doctor is great! I’m happy with my teeth and you really can’t beat the price! Great services and low pricing! I would recommend everyone to come here! Also they are always doing patient appreciation events that are so fun! Bring your kids, your spouse, your friends, your neighbors, BRING EVERYONE!”

– Ana R.

“Great orthodontics! I got my braces at UOC and they’ve been so amazing! First appointment is free, they’ll evaluate your teeth and talk to you about braces option options and prices/ plans.My dental insurance did not cover braces for adults ( I chose not to when I made my plan ) and even if I switched my plan I don’t think it would be a nice affordable plan like UOC offered me with monthly payments … I’m happy with them! They were always nice, friendly and flexible with schedules! Recommend it 100%!”

– Denise A.

“I love this office. The doctor is fun with the kids, very friendly and approachable. The staff is typically very easy to work with and any time we have any question or concern they have been quick to make it right with us. We had a billing hiccup and Lauren was incredibly understanding and made the process to fix it easy. As a lower income family with multiple kids needing orthodontic work, this has been a huge weight off my shoulders. I cannot recommend them enough.”

– Stephanie Carsten