Did Dr. Featheringham just fit you with some upper-echelon braces? Awesome! Braces are a great way to put your smile on the up and up. Our Upbeat Smiles team in Medina wants you to feel like a million bucks. And braces can definitely do the trick. But for that to work, you’ve got to keep your braces clean. But how? What are the best ways to take care of your braces? We’re delighted you asked! Here are some things to keep in mind when cleaning your braces.
Polish Up Your Brushing Routine
Brushing with braces takes a little extra effort. But trust us, it’s always worth it. Keeping your teeth and braces sparkling and shiny can help your treatment keep moving, according to Dr. Featheringham’s plan. Jot these recommendations down and make your braces shimmer!
Brush After Every Meal
Food gets trapped easily in your braces (yuck, right?). After each meal, our Upbeat Smiles team suggests using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush at a 45-degree angle to reach under the wires and around the brackets. A solid brushing regimen helps keep plaque away and your teeth strong.
Take Your Time
Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth. Can’t get there? Set a timer on your phone. To make it even more fun, we tell our Medina patients to try to sing their favorite song while brushing. Focus on all areas of your mouth, including the gum line, and around each bracket. Don’t rush – thorough brushing helps prevent buildup that can lead to future dental issues.
Up Your Flossing Game
Flossing with braces can be a little hard at first. But Dr. Featheringham will let you know it’s part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You can make flossing a whole lot easier and more effective with a few tools and techniques.
Get the Right Tools
Floss threaders or orthodontic floss are your best friends when you’ve got braces. They’ll help you get the floss under the wires and between your teeth. Water flossers are another fun option for a quicker, more comfortable clean. Either way, a “floss” a day keeps the plaque away (see what we did there?). Upbeat Smiles will show you how to floss until you gloss.
Be Gentle but Thorough
One thing we do need to remind our Medina patients of: flossing requires care. Work the floss carefully between each tooth, moving it up and down along the sides. Don’t snap the floss—gentle motions prevent gum irritation. With braces, you’ll need to spend a bit more time, but your gums will thank you later.
Upgrade with Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are one of our Upbeat Smiles team’s favorite tools! They’re perfect for getting into the tiny spaces your regular toothbrush can’t reach.
Reach the Tough Spots
Interdental brushes can slide between the wires and your teeth. They get rid of food particles that your toothbrush might miss. Dr. Featheringham advises that you use them right after bruising.
Use Daily for Best Results
Using an interdental brush once a day helps prevent buildup between teeth. They’re small enough to carry when you’re out and about. A quick sweep can make a tremendous difference for a healthier smile.
Freshen Up Your Smile
Mouthwash adds a bonus element of protection to your oral care routine. It helps wash away any leftover particles and keeps your breath fresh, leaving your smile feeling extra clean.
Rinse for a Cleaner Mouth
A fluoride mouthwash reaches places your toothbrush and floss might miss. Swishing for about half a minute each day helps clean the places you can’t reach (or even see). Ugly microbes and bacteria really like to hide in your braces. Mouthwash gives them the boot.
Make It a Daily Habit
Add mouthwash into your routine to keep your smile bright and healthy. Dr. Featheringham suggests a fluoride rinse with a minty finish for added protection. Regular rinsing helps maintain strong teeth and a happy mouth throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Uproot Bad Eating Habits
Now let’s talk about everybody’s favorite topic: your diet. What you eat can impact your braces and your oral health. Avoiding certain foods helps keep your braces in good shape and your teeth shiny.
Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods
Sticky, tacky foods like gum and caramel can gunk up your braces and are tough to remove. Hard snacks like popcorn and nuts can damage your wires and brackets. Go for softer foods like yogurt, fruit, or pasta to make eating easier on your braces.
Snack Smart
It’s tempting to grab a quick snack, but try to choose braces-friendly options. Cutting crunchy fruits and veggies into small pieces makes them easier to eat. Your braces will stay safe, and your smile will thank you!
Keep Up Regular Orthodontic Visits
Regular checkups with our Upbeat Smiles team are key to keeping your treatment on track. These visits ensure your braces stay in top shape and your treatment keeps moving as it should.
Stay on Schedule
Dr. Featheringham recommends keeping up with your scheduled appointments at our office in Medina. During these visits, we’ll adjust your braces. If we find something that isn’t quite right, we’ll deal with it. Don’t skip your appointments!
Get a Professional Clean
You’ll still see your dentist during your braces treatment. Our Upbeat Smiles team encourages you to continue to see them for regular professional cleanings. Even with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, your dentist can catch things you might miss.
Upscale Orthodontics at Upbeat Smiles
Upbeat Smiles is your place for upscale braces treatment in Medina. To find out more, go here to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Featheringham.
