{"id":197,"date":"2014-01-22T13:31:35","date_gmt":"2014-01-22T18:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bordentownbracesblog.com\/3-questions-to-ask-yourself-about-brushing-while-you-have-braces\/"},"modified":"2023-02-13T08:23:31","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T13:23:31","slug":"3-questions-to-ask-yourself-about-brushing-while-you-have-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bordentownbraces.com\/braces\/3-questions-to-ask-yourself-about-brushing-while-you-have-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Questions To Ask Yourself About Brushing While You Have Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"

BRUSHING: IT\u2019S THE FOUNDATION<\/strong>\u00a0for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. And while you\u2019re in braces, it\u2019s especially important that you do a careful, thorough job. So now is a perfect time to really examine how well you brush your teeth. Ask yourself these three questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Are you using the proper brush? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your toothbrush should be small enough to reach every small corner inside your mouth, and it should have soft bristles. Braces can make your toothbrush wear down faster, so get a new toothbrush every few months.<\/p>\n

2. Are you using the right techniques? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Brush with the bristles against your teeth and gum line at a 45 degree angle. Brush in small, circular strokes, imagining plaque being swept away from the gum line.<\/p>\n

NEVER brush too hard. Think about holding your toothbrush like a paintbrush!<\/strong>\u00a0When it comes to brushing<\/a>, elbow grease won\u2019t get you anywhere\u2014it just flattens the bristles against your braces where they can\u2019t do any good. And, it can wear down your enamel more quickly.<\/p>\n

3. Are you thorough? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

It takes at least two minutes<\/strong> to do a thorough brushing job… 30 seconds per quadrant. While you\u2019re in braces, it may take a little bit longer. And, don\u2019t forget these frequently ignored spots:<\/p>\n

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  • inner side of your front teeth<\/li>\n
  • your tongue<\/li>\n
  • inner side of back molars, next to your tongue<\/li>\n
  • carefully around all braces corners and orthodontic work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Watch This Helpful Video & View These Guidelines<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The American Dental Hygienists\u2019 Association has produced a quick-reference guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n