How do I brush with braces?
Brushing and flossing with braces can be difficult, but they play a key role in preventing against permanent damage to your teeth. Extra care and time must be taken to ensure you do not develop white spots, cavities, or infected gums.
Here are some simple tips for the best results when you are brushing with braces on:
- Use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles
- Use light pressure
- Use a circular motion to brush above and below your braces
- Rest your toothbrush on your gums and lightly brush or massage your gum tissue
- Floss between all of your teeth to reach areas your toothbrush cannot
- Swish with mouth rinse
- Use proxabrushes (aka “Christmas tree” brushes) to reach difficult areas between braces
It is absolutely essential that you continue going to regular visits at your dental office for cleanings and checkups throughout your orthodontic treatment!
What if something breaks?
Orthodontists recognize that most “emergencies” having to do with braces are not life-or-death situations. We also understand that situations may occur that cause discomfort and even pain.
Perhaps a wire breaks or you accidentally eat something that causes a problem, such as sticky taffy or a burger bun with sesame seeds. I have provided the information below to help you prevent those types of emergencies, and to answer some of the most common questions regarding these special situations.
If you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency that can’t wait for regular office hours, most orthodontic offices have a special number to call, either before, during, or after business hours. If this information isn’t given to you readily, check to see how your doctor’s office handles emergencies. Remember, information is power and the time to ask about a 24-hour emergency call center number is before a bracket is lost, not after!
When Emergencies (Really) Aren’t!
Some emergencies actually aren’t. Or, if they are, can be easily and safely remedied at home. Case in point: teeth, when moving, can be really tender for about a week after the initial placement of the orthodontic appliances and also after each adjustment.
Discomfort can be relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol. Follow the dosage recommendations and any additional precautions as listed on the bottle. Some patients find it helpful to take the first dose at the appointment time to help prevent some of the discomfort to come when the teeth start to move.
In the first few weeks it is common for the inside of your cheeks to be tender because they are not used to the braces. As time goes by, the inside of your cheeks will toughen up and adjust to the braces. While the cheeks are still sensitive, using wax on the rough spots can be very helpful. Warm saltwater rinses are also helpful to sooth your cheek lining and promote healing.
Some inconveniences while going through treatment are normal. Many times repairs can be put off until your next regular appointment. Of course, your orthodontist is there to serve you and encourage you to call any time you have a question.
