{"id":649,"date":"2024-08-21T18:29:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T18:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dailysmilesmacarthur.com\/blog\/?p=649"},"modified":"2024-08-21T18:29:04","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T18:29:04","slug":"flossing-and-brushing-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dailysmilesmacarthur.com\/blog\/flossing-and-brushing-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Life with Braces: Tips for Effective Brushing & Flossing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Getting braces<\/a> can change many of your daily habits and routines, but sometimes change isn\u2019t always bad\u2014it\u2019s just new<\/em>! Although brushing and flossing with braces can seem more difficult, the key is to invest in the right oral hygiene instruments and be diligent about maintaining good at-home habits. By implementing these helpful tips, you can keep your smile cavity-free throughout your treatment, ensuring your timeline doesn\u2019t get set back. Read on to learn how you can be an effective brusher and flosser if you have braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to Brush with Braces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can opt to use either a manual or electric toothbrush, each featuring their own unique benefits depending on your technique and abilities. It\u2019s important to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time, but brushing after meals is also beneficial and can help keep your oral health on the right track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When brushing with braces, be sure to follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any debris.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Place fluoridated toothpaste on your toothbrush and begin brushing at a 45-degree angle along your gumline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Place the toothbrush on the top of your brackets so the bristles brush the top of each bracket.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Reposition your toothbrush at the bottom of the brackets and repeat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Brush every tooth both above and below the bracket.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How to Floss with Braces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Flossing can feel especially inconvenient or difficult if you have braces, but it\u2019s important that you do so at least once a day. Follow these helpful tips to be an effective flosser:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Use about 18 inches of floss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Carefully thread the dental floss under the main wire before passing it between the teeth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Remove the floss, re-threading it under the main wire, and continue this process until you have flossed between all of the teeth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Don\u2019t snap the floss, just glide it against each tooth to remove any lodged debris.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Helpful Oral Hygiene Instruments if You Have Braces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Brushing and flossing with traditional products can prove especially difficult if you have braces, which is why it may be worthwhile to invest in special gadgets. Some of the most helpful oral hygiene products for patients with braces are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n