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The Best Dental Hygiene Routine For Braces

Home » Blog » The Best Dental Hygiene Routine For Braces

girl brushing teeth

Proper oral care should be an important part of everyone’s daily routine, and not just because it keeps your teeth looking clean. It’s also a key component in avoiding some common dental problems like gingivitis, tartar, and demineralization. Because thorough oral hygiene is more difficult if you’re in braces, you may be more prone to these issues than those who don’t wear braces.

These kinds of dental problems are enough to deal with on their own, let alone the more serious oral health issues that can occur if they’re left untreated. These problems can also prolong the time you need to spend in braces, and nobody wants that.

Our team here at Craig & Streight knows that caring for your teeth can be challenging when you have braces, so we’ve put together this guide to achieving great oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Let’s start with the best brushing techniques!

Better brushing, better smile

Cleaning your teeth properly is the most important aspect of oral health, especially while wearing braces. Brush your teeth thoroughly two to three times a day with fluoride toothpaste, making sure to pay special attention to the areas between your brackets and your gums. Do this after every meal to clear any food debris that may have become trapped in or around your braces, carefully cleaning the areas between the wires and your teeth and also between the brackets and gums.

Keep brushing your teeth for at least two minutes each time, placing the tips of the bristles so they’re flat against your teeth, and gently clean them using small circular motions. Then move on to the areas between the gums and the braces, tilting the brush towards the gum line while continuing the circular motions. Next up are the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, gliding the bristles in a firm back-and-forth motion to clean those areas. Lastly, thoroughly brush the inside surfaces of the teeth using those same small circular motions.

You should always feel free to ask your orthodontist for instructions on how to better clean the surface of the teeth around your braces, but in the meantime, here are some tips on how to practice better brushing techniques at home.

  • Use a soft orthodontic toothbrush. There are some toothbrushes available for orthodontic use that have longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle, to really help you clean in between your braces and your teeth.
  • You can also use an electric toothbrush with a soft bristled head, but if it has adjustable speed, use a more moderate setting so you don’t accidentally break or loosen any part of your braces.
  • Another option is an interdental brush, which fits in between the wires and the teeth to remove hard-to-reach plaque and food debris.
  • A mouthwash containing fluoride can be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing to help strengthen the enamel on your teeth and prevent tooth decay during orthodontic treatment.
  • Regular dental visits are important to monitor the health of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Aim for twice-a-year checkups and cleanings.

If you don’t take proper care of your braces during orthodontic treatment, the risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease is significantly increased. Along with brushing, flossing is an integral part of keeping your teeth healthy. You may think it’s impossible to floss wearing braces, but fortunately, there are several ways to accomplish this effectively!

Fantastic flossing

Flossing should be done at least once per day, and preferably each time you brush. It’s an essential part of achieving (and maintaining!) healthy teeth and gums. Flossing regularly is even more important for someone wearing braces because it’s really easy for food particles to get stuck in the tiny crevices around the brackets and even in your gums.

A floss threader is a tool designed to help make flossing with braces easier. A little like a threading needle, you simply pull one end of the floss through the threader, feed the threader under the archwire, then grab the floss on each end and slide it up and down the sides of both teeth and under the gums. Hear a squeaking sound? Pull the threader out and move on to the next section of teeth.

Oral irrigators like a Waterpik can also be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing. These instruments are able to shoot small, high-pressure streams of water onto the teeth, removing food debris and plaque from between your teeth and braces.

A note on diet

Diet is an important – but often neglected – aspect of oral health. When wearing braces, there are certain foods you should avoid. These can damage the braces and your teeth. When wearing braces, try and steer clear of the following items.

Anything hard, like

  • candy
  • popcorn
  • ice
  • pizza crusts
  • raw apples and carrots
  • peanut brittle

These types of foods can risk loosening bands and bending wires, as well as actually breaking your braces.

Anything sticky or chewy, such as

  • caramel
  • gummy bears
  • certain protein bars
  • cotton candy
  • certain kinds of candy
  • tough cuts of meat

The problem with these is, again, that they can cause damage to your braces. There’s also the potential of food getting stuck underneath the braces.

Acidic items, like

  • sodas
  • oranges
  • apples
  • lemons
  • lemon juice

These can stain your teeth, as well as damaging the enamel.

Sugary foods and drinks, such as

  • sweets
  • sodas
  • fruit smoothies
  • very processed foods

Since it’s difficult to clean the teeth under the braces, items with a large amount of sugar can cause the production of even more plaque, since it essentially acts as “food” for the bacteria in your mouth.

Keeping a clean & healthy mouth with Craig & Streight

Mom Daughter brushing teeth

Taking good care of your braces by brushing and flossing regularly and effectively is essential for avoiding complications and ending up with the great-looking smile you’re looking for. Craig & Streight can help you achieve that! Our skilled staff strives to provide personalized service to each and every patient, and with three convenient locations in Norman, Mustang, and South OKC, we’re sure to have an office near you. If you’re in the Oklahoma City or surrounding area and need hands-on care or advice with your dental hygiene routine during orthodontic treatment, give us a call today and schedule a consultation. We’re here to keep you smiling!

 

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicole C.
We had such a great initial visit at C&S! My kids can’t wait to go back!!
Response from the owner:Hi Nicole. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a great first visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Melanie M.
Staff is always so kind, informative and they answer all the questions you may have. Both doctors are amazing and do not rush you out. They explain everything and take their time with each patient. They are a 10/10
Response from the owner:Hi Melanie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff and doctors made such a positive impact during your visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Teri J.
Great place! Everyone is friendly. Great experience for all 3 of my kids. They did awesome with my autistic son.
Response from the owner:Hi Teri. We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had such a positive experience with our team. Creating a welcoming environment for all families is our priority, and it’s heartening to know that your son felt supported. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you all again!
Jaidyn S.
Had a great experience! They were quick and helped me decide the best option for me!
Response from the owner:Hi Jaidyn. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you efficiently and help you find the best option. :)
Jessie W.
Easy to work with and very flexible with scheduling! Orthodontists and staff are very kind and thorough as well!
Response from the owner:Hey Jessie. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your experience smooth and accommodating. Your kind words about our staff and their thoroughness mean a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care!
Amanda H.
We had the best experience. They were all so kind and patient with my girl!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
Blair B
I'm a fairly new patient but the office staff provides a very warming, thoughtful environment and I love the app and feedback I receive with my Invisalign process. I've been quite impressed with the clinic and Dr thus far and can't wait to receive my final results... a beautiful smile!!!<3
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Sharkbait M.
I had a fantastic experience at this clean and modern orthodontist office! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the bright, welcoming atmosphere and the state-of-the-art equipment. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. The orthodontist took the time to explain my treatment options clearly and answered all my questions with patience and care. I truly appreciate the attention to detail and the commitment to maintaining a spotless environment. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for top-quality orthodontic care in a contemporary, inviting setting!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience in our office. Creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing attentive care are top priorities for us, and it’s great to know that our team made your visits comfortable and informative. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent orthodontic care!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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