Plaque has a way of causing chaos. When you are wearing braces, it becomes a nuisance. That’s because food particles can get stuck in the wires. The moment you miss a spot, the plaque transforms into tartar. This hard, yellow material can only be cleaned by a professional.
Does this mean that brushing with braces is impossible? No!
Yes, it’s challenging but completely doable.
Here are some tips from a children’s dentist:
Gather Your Tools
A job well done is possible only when you have all the right tools. Following are the tools to keep in your bathroom:
- A cup for rinsing
- An electric or manual toothbrush
- Non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss (If you have the budget, buy a water flosser)
- Mouthwash
- Handheld mirror
- Proxabrushes (Also called interdental brushes that help reach the nooks and crannies)
Start with a Swish
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Swish a small amount for a few seconds to loosen any food particles
- Take out the removable braces pieces and put them in a glass of water
Know the Angles
- Top your toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle
- Brush the gum line
- Angle the toothbrush to brush the tops of the brackets
- Reposition the angle to brush under the wire and brackets
- Finally, brush the inner and chewing teeth surfaces
Floss
Flossing with a thread can be difficult for kids. This is why a water flosser is highly recommended. Just be sure to adjust the setting so the pressure is not hard. If the brackets shift, take your kid to the dentist immediately.
Children’s dental needs are different from that of adults. They need to be guided continuously so that they don’t make mistakes.
Get quality children’s dental care from Little Rockies Kids Dental. They offer various treatments for kids, including cleaning and whitening. For more information, call (720) 638-6114.
