Oral hygiene is key to ensuring that the teeth and gums are healthy during braces treatment. A good oral hygiene routine can also prevent food buildup that attracts harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. We provide comprehensive orthodontic services to our new and existing patients. Here, we will review oral hygiene tips to follow when you receive braces from Children’s Dental Specialties in Worcester, MA.
Oral Hygiene with Braces in Worcester, MA
Our dental office will provide your child with instructions on how to clean their aligners or braces best. It’s also important to keep these tips in mind to help your child or teenager keep their teeth and gums healthy behind their braces:
Metal Braces
It is often more difficult to remove bits of food from braces, which is why proper oral hygiene techniques are important. Learn how to brush, floss, and avoid foods that can damage your braces below:
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
When brushing your braces, brush back and forth between the wires and gums. Then, brush as if you had no braces, starting outside of the upper teeth. Brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums.
Continue to brush, now in a circular motion, first on the outside of the upper teeth to the chewing surfaces and back of the teeth. Repeat this process on the lower teeth. Make sure that there are no food particles stuck in your braces after you brush. Use a floss threader to floss between your braces at least once a day.
Diet
Avoid hard, crunchy, tough, and sticky foods that can get caught in your braces, such as:
- Hard candy
- Corn chips
- Bagels
- Caramel
- Gum
- Pizza Crust
You can cut some foods like pears, celery, pizza, apples, and carrots into smaller pieces and chew them with your back teeth.
Clear Braces
One of the best advantages of Invisalign aligners is that they are removable. This means that patients can brush their teeth normally and clean their aligners separately.
Patients can use a manual or electric toothbrush on their teeth after they remove their aligners. Manual toothbrushes require patients to brush in circular motions, while electric toothbrushes move on their own. When brushing, we recommend that patients brush at a 45-degree angle, starting at the gum line and moving to each tooth, making their way to the chewing surfaces and behind the teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, liquid soap, and lukewarm water to clean your Invisalign aligners. Then, rinse your aligners before placing them back on your teeth.
Retainers
We recommend that patients wear retainers after orthodontic treatment to keep their teeth straight. You can clean your retainer with toothpaste and cool water. If you have a lower fixed retainer, be careful when brushing the wire and the inside of the lower teeth. Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue, as this can damage your teeth.
When you remove your retainer, place it in its case and do not wrap it in a napkin or tissue. Do not place the retainer in your pocket or use excessive heat because you can break or damage your retainer. Remember to bring your retainer with you to each dental appointment.
Oral Hygiene With Braces FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about oral hygiene with braces, retainers, and Invisalign with answers to these common questions:
Can I eat or drink with Invisalign on my teeth?
No, you should not eat or drink anything except water with your Invisalign aligners on your teeth. Eating with them can damage or stain the aligners, and food can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, leading to bad breath or cavities. Always take your aligners out before eating or drinking, and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
How do I prevent bad breath with Invisalign?
To prevent bad breath with Invisalign, brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. Clean your aligners daily by brushing them with a soft toothbrush and water or using Invisalign cleaning crystals. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep your mouth fresh.
Avoid eating or drinking anything but water with your aligners in, as food and drinks can get trapped and cause bad smells. Regularly cleaning both your teeth and aligners will help keep bad breath away.
What stains Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners can get stained from certain foods and drinks. Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and colored sodas can leave stains on the aligners. It’s best to avoid these while wearing your aligners.
Some foods, especially those that are very colorful or saucy, can stain the aligners. Things like berries, sauces, and certain spices might cause discoloration. Also, if you smoke, the tobacco can also stain the aligners over time.
To keep your aligners looking clear, rinse them with water after eating or drinking anything that could stain them. Clean them regularly with a gentle soap or cleaner made for aligners.
What do I do if my retainer smells?
If your retainer smells bad, it’s likely due to bacteria buildup. Brush your retainer with a soft toothbrush and water every day. Avoid using toothpaste because it can be too rough. Use a retainer cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap to soak your retainer a few times a week. Always rinse your retainer with water before putting it back in your mouth.
Do I need to floss with braces?
Yes, you need to floss with braces. Flossing helps remove food and plaque from between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach, even with braces on. You can use special tools like floss threaders or orthodontic floss to make getting between the wires and your teeth easier. Flossing daily will help prevent cavities and keep your gums healthy while you have braces.
How often should I clean my retainer?
You should clean your retainer every day. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and water when you brush your teeth at least twice a day. You can also soak your retainer in a cleaning solution a few times a week to keep it extra clean. Regular cleaning helps prevent bacteria buildup and bad smells.
What foods can I eat with metal braces?
With braces, you can eat soft foods that won’t damage the brackets or wires. Some good options include:
- Yogurt
- Soft fruits (like bananas or berries)
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheese
- Soft bread or tortillas
- Smoothie
Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and gum, as they can break your braces. Stick to soft foods to keep your braces in good shape!
How do I clean around my braces when I’m not at home?
When you’re traveling, bring a small toothbrush with soft bristles to brush your teeth after meals. Keep a small pack of floss or floss picks in your bag to clean between your teeth and around your braces.
If you know you won’t be able to clean your teeth for a while, stick to soft foods that won’t get stuck in your braces. Also, if you can’t brush or floss, rinsing your mouth with water after eating can help remove some food particles. By being prepared, you can keep your braces and teeth clean, even when you’re on the go.
Contact Our Pediatric Dental Office
Do you or your child have any questions about caring for braces? Call Children’s Dental Specialties today at (508) 625-5534. If you need to schedule a dental appointment, you can do so on our website.