Ask yourself these questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Are you using the proper brush?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your toothbrush should be small enough to reach every small corner inside your mouth to get all the tiny particles of food out. The best types should have soft bristles to gently remove the plaque and debris without damaging your teeth or enamel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a toothbrush with a smaller head can help you to get the food particles stuck in the brackets out, which will help prevent bad breath, discoloration, and protect your braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Braces can make your toothbrush wear down faster due to the metal parts and increased friction, so make sure that you are getting a new toothbrush every few months, or when the bristle show visible signs of wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that you do not put off replacing your toothbrush when it is worn because you will not be getting your teeth as clean as they could be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Are you using the right techniques?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brush with the bristles against your teeth and gum line at a 45-degree angle.<\/strong> Brush in small, circular strokes, imagining plaque being swept away from the gum line.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNEVER brush too hard. <\/strong>Think about holding your toothbrush like a paintbrush! When it comes to brushing, 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\n\n\nIf you feel like the pressure you are using would scratch your skin if you used it in on your arm, then you are brushing way too hard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, do not use too much toothpaste<\/strong>! The foam toothpaste creates makes it more difficult to see where the plaque and debris are in your teeth, and so your teeth do not get as clean as they could be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Are you thorough?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It takes at least two minutes<\/strong> to do a thorough brushing job\u2026 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\n\n\n\n- the inner side of your front teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- your tongue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- the inner side of back molars, next to your tongue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- carefully around all braces corners and orthodontic work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Use mouthwash before bed to help get any lingering bacteria or food particles stuck in the brackets that were not removed by brushing or flossing. Even if you can\u2019t see the particles, still use mouthwash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Are you brushing often enough?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should be brushing your teeth after every meal, as well as flossing. This helps to prevent food particles from getting stuck in the wires or brackets of your braces, which makes them more comfortable, healthy, and less prone to cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can purchase travel toothbrushes that can fit in backpacks or purses for easy access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although you should be brushing after eating meals or drinking sugary drinks, you should not over brush your teeth. You can end up damaging the enamel on your teeth, causing more pain and tooth sensitivity later on in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch This Helpful Video & View These Guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The American Dental Hygienists\u2019 Association has produced a quick-reference guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n