25th January 2018
New Year’s Resolutions: How To Clean Your Braces
Many people need braces in life to correct and straighten teeth, but during this process, it can be difficult to keep your teeth clean. This is a result of braces collecting plaque and bacteria independently of your teeth. Carefully using a toothbrush to thoroughly brush your teeth and braces is the only way to guarantee complete cleanliness.
If you are ever struggling with how to clean your braces, then simply follow these steps in order to get clean teeth and braces.
Brush
If you are unsure of how to clean your braces, then it is important to ask the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist. Though a normal toothbrush is important, you may also want to invest in specialist interdental brushes such as Tepes. These will help you to clean thoroughly between the teeth.
To ensure you reach all of your mouth, you should concentrate on one area at a time. Whether you split this up into the top, bottom, back or front teeth is down to preference. Your brush should always stay in contact with your teeth and gum line, performing repetitive short strokes in order to achieve the best clean. This should be particularly aimed at the surface around and in-between your braces, where plaque can build up more easily.
Overall, you should be cleaning your braces and teeth at least three times a day. Always be sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well. If you experience inflamed gums or a small amount of bleeding then do not be alarmed, braces can cause this.
Braces can also make your teeth sensitive, so you may want to use a toothpaste specifically formulated to minimise this sensitivity.
Floss
Outside of brushing your teeth and braces, you can help clean your braces via flossing. Each time you brush your teeth you need to floss as well.
Typically, 18 inches is a good amount of floss to effectively clean your teeth. Wrap it around your middle fingers on both hands, holding it firmly in place with your thumbs and forefingers. Gently feed the floss between your teeth, then through the wire of your braces as you go up towards the gum. A gentle sawing motion should then be used.
If this proves difficult, you can always use small floss brushes such as Tepes or other interdental brushes instead. Water flossing can also be an option if you are adverse to the traditional method, or your dentist recommends it.
Foods to Avoid
Healthy foods are absolutely necessary in order to keep your teeth clean, as well as helping you to clean your braces easily. Balanced meals with limited snacks in between is typically ideal. In particular, cooked meats, bread, soft cheeses, noodles and pasta, will not be hard to eat with your braces.
There are also a few foods that you need to avoid. This includes popcorn, nuts, hard sweets, ice and any other sticky foods (such as caramel). It can be difficult to work out how to clean your braces once these foods become lodged. Sugary drinks and juice should also be avoided, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Cutting down the frequency that you enjoy sugary snacks is really important to the success of orthodontic treatments.
Overall, brushing your teeth is important every day but even more so with braces. Learning how to clean your braces is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the orthodontic process.
Mike White2024-01-29The best experience. When you step through the door you are met by the friendliest receptionist,Which continues through the practice. If you want the best dental care and treatments across the board this is where you need to go.
Charlotte Bell2023-12-15I came to dental solutions with severe anxiety of dentists and Lauren was so helpful, kind and patient with me. For the first time in years I've found a dentist who I feel comfortable with. Thank you
Gill S2023-10-27I had a wisdom tooth extracted by Gavin after having toothache due to my tooth breaking. I was nervous as I had not had a tooth removed by injection before. Gavin was reassuring, explained the procedure fully and it was over quickly with no pain. All staff at the practice are caring, friendly and professional and I have been going for many years. I highly recommend Dental Solutions.
K.WEDGE2023-09-06Thank you to Gavin and team at Dental Solutions for the superb dental work done yesterday. As well as being highly professional and very good at what they do the place has a great atmosphere which makes going to the dentist a pleasure.
tracy grensinger2023-07-02Amazing experience. I felt in safe friendly professional hands with all the team . Thank you!
Zoe Manley2023-06-30Can’t speak highly enough of this practice and in particular Lauren. 2 years ago I walked in and was so nervous I cried just as the sight of the chair. Her and the staff have been so patient and understanding and have worked with me to overcome my phobia. This week I had a filling and was absolutely fine, my family couldn’t believe it. Reception staff are lovely and really accommodating too. So glad I found them, I don’t dread the dentist anymore.
David Partridge2023-05-10A really Five Star Dental Practice! Upon arrival I was greeted by their most friendly welcoming receptionists. it seems nothing is 'too much trouble' to them. Gavin is similarly very friendly and the surgery is kitted out with the most high-tech modern equipment. On my first visit Gavin examined my teeth and explained my options to me giving me his recommendation for treatment and reasons why. Their Co-ordinator prepared a detailed quote for my treatment and went through it in detail with me, ensuring I understood everything; she had plenty of time for me as a patient. From the outset I had complete confidence in entrusting them with my dental care and the final results are truly amazing. Gavin and Richard could not have been more professional and my treatment was made as painless as possible. Dental Solutions provide a truly outstanding service and I thank them for my new 'long lost' smile and renewed confidence, especially when dining out and talking with people. I can't recommend them too highly.
Carole Dodwell2023-05-08A first class experience from start to finish. Despite being fearful of visiting the dentist, Gavin put me at ease with his gentle unhurried manner. I was surprised at how relaxed I actually felt undergoing treatment for a crown and the removal/replacement of front teeth veneers. Having felt self conscious about my front teeth for a long time, I decided to have my old veneers replaced. The results were amazing and far exceeded my expectations. What Gavin achieved was nothing short of a work of art, boosting my confidence tenfold. The practice itself is very welcoming, the customer service excellent and the staff are all very friendly and kind. I cannot recommend this dental practise highly enough.
Nick Halliwell2023-04-28I recently needed some urgent treatment and after trying a couple of dentists in the area, dental solutions were the only dentist that agreed to see me, genuinely nobody else showed any interest in helping me. The receptionist I spoke to initially was super compassionate and understanding and did all she could to get me in asap. I saw Lauren for all of my appointments, and I’ve now had: a composite filling, root canal and emax crown and just yesterday had a wisdom tooth extracted. I don't know what Lauren does but I have had zero pain or discomfort with any treatments during and after. I'm extremely happy with the results of her work. She definitely knows her stuff and filled me with the utmost confidence whilst in the chair! I literally cant find any fault with any of the experiences I have had so far. They go the extra mile and do it with a smile. What more can you ask for?! Definitely my dentist for the foreseeable future! Thank you Lauren and everyone!
Pete Taberham2023-04-07Had my initial consultation with Lauren, truly professional and extremely friendly. She explained all my options in detail and following discussions opted for veneers and can't wait to see the end result.
