Orthodontics is a good investment for the health of your teeth and mouth, as well as to improve the beauty of your smile, as braces aim to improve bite, reduce distances between teeth, and fix asymmetry. Dental care and gums after braces require some effort, and adding a few extra minutes while brushing teeth. In this article, we will show you some tips for choosing an orthodontic brush, so read the following lines.

Why should dental care during orthodontics?

Dentists stress the importance of taking care of the teeth, and washing them continuously during the period of braces, as the wires and brackets may cause the accumulation of food residues, bacteria, and the formation of lime that may harden on the teeth, and may cause stains unless they are washed as soon as possible after meals.

It is also recommended to use a rinse containing fluoride after meals, as it reaches hard-to-reach areas with an orthodontic brush, and to use dental floss for orthodontics as well, and it is possible to resort to water dental floss if you encounter problems using traditional floss.

It is recommended to change the orthodontic brush every three or four months, as this ensures the effectiveness of the brush, and that the bristles do not fall out or bend, and it also reduces the risk of exposure to bacteria accumulated on the brush head.

How to choose an orthodontic brush

Due to the availability of many types in the market, you may find it difficult to choose the appropriate type of brush that fulfills the purpose of cleaning teeth well, at an affordable price. When choosing, make sure that the following characteristics are available:

• Rotating brush head.
• The brush bristles are soft, flexible, and specially designed for braces.
• With a thin neck to reach hard-to-reach areas.
• Comfortable handle whether angled or tapered.

Orthodontic brushes are designed to reach the corners, areas around braces, and behind them. There is the Small Orthodontic Brush (with a small head), which can reach some hard-to-reach areas of regular brushes.

There is an electric toothbrush that some people prefer, and it is considered a great option, as it is automatically set to work for two minutes, so it may be considered suitable for children, and it encourages brushing their teeth, but it is more expensive.

In short, each of the companies producing toothbrushes transparently shows the advantages and disadvantages of its products, and explains the instructions for use, and it remains your decision to choose, either through the doctor’s recommendations, or after conducting some research, and reviewing the opinions of users and their experiences.

How to brush teeth with an orthodontic brush

Here are the steps for brushing your teeth during the period of braces:

• Before brushing, gargle with some water to loosen any food stuck around the braces.
• Rinse the braces brush well with water, then squeeze an appropriate amount of paste.
• Start by moving the brush at the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
• Aim the brush at the top of the supports, and brush over it well.
• Redirect the brush to the abutment from the bottom, and repeat the previous step.
• Make sure to brush your teeth one by one with the same steps as before, taking care not to leave any food residue behind.
• Make sure that the brushing process takes at least two minutes.

Tips for maintaining teeth during the orthodontic period

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, following the above steps.
• Keep using mouthwash after brushing your teeth to prevent cavities.
• Limit caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee to reduce pigmentation, and rinse your mouth after each cup.
• Quit smoking.

Other important dental care items

In addition to the orthodontic brush and its accessories, there are some important items that should be available in your “orthodontic care box”, which you must include in your daily routine to take care of your teeth during the period of braces, and these symptoms include the following:

• mouthwash: Make sure to use mouthwash after eating your meals, as it helps to get rid of leftovers stuck between the teeth, or on the braces.
• Interdental brush: It is a very effective little tool that helps you get rid of leftover food stuck to wires and supports.
• Dental floss: It is a thread intended for removing residues between the teeth, and it is an amazing option for areas that the brush cannot reach. As for using it during the braces period, the doctor will tell you the most important instructions and steps to follow. And if it is difficult to use it for any reason, it can be replaced with water dental floss, but it is more expensive.
• Suitable toothpaste.

Finally, after we got to know the most important details about braces, did you follow any of the above? Share your experience.