Maintaining oral hygiene with braces is vital to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. Teeth braces in Dubai create additional surfaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and discoloration. Proper oral hygiene practices help prevent these issues and ensure successful outcomes once the braces are removed.
Brushing technique:
Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal and snack, ideally using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the brackets and wires. Brush gently but thoroughly, ensuring to clean the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Interdental cleaning:
Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth and under wires where a regular toothbrush can’t reach. Thread floss under the wire between each tooth and gently clean the sides of both teeth. Alternatively, use an orthodontic floss threader or water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas effectively.
Rinse with mouthwash:
Use a fluoride mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing. Mouthwash helps reduce plaque buildup, kill bacteria, and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid drying out your mouth, which can be uncomfortable with braces.
Avoid certain foods:
Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage braces or get stuck in them. Foods such as popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, and sticky candies can bend wires or break brackets, leading to discomfort and additional visits to your orthodontist.
Attend regular dental cleanings:
Continue to visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings and check-ups every six months, or as recommended by your orthodontist. Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup around braces that you may not be able to reach with regular brushing and flossing alone.
Use orthodontic wax:
If wires or brackets irritate the inside of your mouth, apply orthodontic wax to smooth rough edges and reduce discomfort. Mold a small amount of wax over the problem area to create a buffer between the braces and your gums or cheeks.
Protect your braces:
Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth and braces from impact or injury. Consult with your orthodontist about obtaining a custom-fit mouthguard that accommodates your braces and provides optimal protection during physical activities.