Spring Is a Good Time To Spruce Up Your Teeth Cleaning in Braces With Water Flossing

As the sun shines brighter and the flowers start blooming, it’s a sign that spring cleaning is on the horizon! While tidying up your home and giving it a fresh look, don’t forget about an important task this season: taking care of your dental health.

For those with braces, it’s super important to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. You’ve probably noticed that braces can trap food and make it harder to floss properly, which can increase the chances of getting cavities and gum disease. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution: water flossing!

Flossing is as important as brushing those shiny teeth. You can make this task a lot easier by using a water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator. This nice tool uses a pulsating stream of water to clean between the teeth and along the gumline. Water flossing is particularly helpful for people who wear braces because it helps remove trapped food or other particles from the wires and brackets.

Here are some tips for using a water flosser while wearing braces:

• Use lukewarm water: Cold water may cause discomfort to sensitive teeth, while hot water could wreck the device. Use lukewarm water for the perfect water flosser temperature.
• Start at a low setting: As a beginner with water flossing, begin with a gentle setting and increase the strength as you get used to the feeling.
• Aim for the gumline: Position the tip of the water flosser at a 90-degree angle to your gum line and navigate along each tooth, carefully attending to areas around the brace’s hardware—brackets and wires.
• Take your time: Avoid rushing the flossing procedure. Ensure thorough cleaning of each tooth and bracket.
• Use mouthwash: After using the water flosser, rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to eradicate any lingering oral bacteria and refresh your breath.

In addition to water flossing, it’s important to sustain a regular oral hygiene regimen while wearing braces. Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums robust during orthodontic treatment:

• Brush your teeth and braces at least twice a day: Utilize a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to gently yet effectively cleanse your teeth and braces.
• Floss at least once a day: Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to carefully clean between your teeth and along your gum line.
• Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods: These kinds of foods can harm your braces and escalate the risk of tooth decay.
• Visit our orthodontist regularly: Our knowledgeable orthodontist will be able to keep an eye on your improvement and make any adjustments to your braces.

Cleaning is simple but still crucial if you are straightening your teeth and biting using transparent aligners rather than braces. To do your regular flossing and brushing, simply remove your aligner tray. Make sure you clean your aligners every day. That’s it, too!

As you engage in spring cleaning your home, don’t neglect the care of your teeth. With a bit of extra diligence and the assistance of a water flosser, you can maintain a radiant and healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey!