People with braces should learn the basic method to care for them. They should brush and floss their teeth, but in a slightly different way than before. The frequency of brushing and flossing your teeth is a critical factor in caring for braces. People who neglect to follow the instructions to maintain their teeth will have food lodged into their teeth. If you wear braces, follow these instructions:
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Brush Your Teeth
Brush your teeth using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste containing fluoride. If you feel the bristles under the gum line, you are doing it right. Next, brush your teeth in circular motions. You need to clean below, between, and above each brace.
You should use at least ten strokes to clean your teeth. Do not brush your teeth too fast, but take your time. In addition, you should scrub the roof of the mouth and the tongue with the toothbrush as well.
In total, it should take two to three minutes to brush your teeth each day. Make a routine of brushing your teeth after eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before going to bed. By brushing your teeth four times a day, it will take a toll on your toothbrush so keep a standby toothbrush ready. Once you are done brushing your teeth, you need to start flossing them.
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Floss Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth with braces is a difficult job. To make the job easier, purchase dental floss. Dental floss is a nylon thread, which is used to remove plague and food particles lodged in your teeth.
Dental floss is different from ordinary floss, as it has three parts. It is has a stiff and straight end, it has a malleable middle part, and an ordinary floss end. This is how you are supposed to clean your teeth with dental floss:
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The stiff and straight end of the floss should pass between your teeth.
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The ordinary floss part should pass between your teeth, pass up, and then down in a C-shape against each of your tooth.
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You need to repeat the first two steps again.
Dentists recommend that people with or without braces should brush their teeth at least once every day. Once you have brushed and flossed their teeth, you should rinse your mouth with a mouthwash containing fluoride. Another option to floss your teeth is to use a floss threader. Here is how to use a floss threader:
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Cut out 12 inches of floss and wrap them around your fingers.
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Place the waxed floss between the braces and wire.
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Carefully floss around the gum line.
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Repeat the above two steps and rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
It is important for people with braces to brush and floss their teeth regularly. If you need to consult with a dentist about wearing braces, Brenham Family Dental offers same day dental appointments. You can make an appointment with one of our dentists in Brenham.