By now, we are all well-versed on how to brush our teeth. But getting braces adds another layer of difficulty in making sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy. Braces in Brooklyn, NY work to gradually straighten your teeth over time, but it’s important that you follow the instructions of Dr. Mohamed AlJanabi to reduce bacteria and plaque buildup along your gum line and in hard-to-reach areas so your teeth are at their best when the braces come off.
Brushing with Braces
Before you start, make sure to remove rubber bands or other removable orthodontic appliances so they don’t get in the way of full access to your mouth. Make sure that you carefully clean around all wires and brackets to the best of your ability. Move your brush from the top to the bottom of each tooth, reaching all angles and surfaces that you can. It’s important that you target the chewing surface of each tooth as well, especially the molars. The total length of brushing should be at least 2 minutes to thoroughly clean the entire mouth. Last, but not least, don’t forget to brush your tongue, as this is a breeding ground for bacteria that often gets ignored.
Flossing with Braces
The thought of flossing with braces can be intimidating, but we promise that it’s not as bad as it seems! You should continue to floss at least once a day even if you have braces. We recommend using waxed floss when flossing with braces, as unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught in your braces and ultimately break. Floss threaders are a helpful tool to make the process easier, stiffening the tip to help thread it underneath the wires. If you don’t have much experience flossing, it’s ideal to use roughly 18 inches of floss. Slide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle but firm action. If your gums bleed, this is normal, and it should subside with consistent flossing.
If you want more tips on how to brush and floss with braces in Brooklyn, NY and surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us today!