Oral Hygiene is Important For Those Wearing Braces

The Columbia Orthodontics team knows that oral hygiene is important for everyone; however, if you are a person who wears braces, caring for your teeth and gums is often harder and is definitely worthy of extra time and effort. Without daily oral hygiene practices, you may become prone to cavities and tooth decay during your time in braces.

Obviously, you know brushing your teeth each morning and night, will help keep your mouth healthy and clean during the months you wear braces. But flossing is also an important part of your hygiene routine. Sometimes flossing with braces can be a little tricky and so is sometimes not on your list of favorite things to do.

Talk to Dr. Croft or one of the hygienists. They can assist you with some of the following flossing tips while you wear braces.

One good product is a floss threader. This is a small, plastic needle that will help you floss between the wires and your teeth. Thread a 12-to-18-inch piece of floss onto the needle, and use the needle to get the floss easily behind the wires. Once the floss is behind the wires, use your hands to manipulate the floss. Move it up and down along the wires to remove food particles.

Be sure to floss between your teeth. You might want to use a water pik or proxy brush after you finish brushing. Either of these tools will help you remove any loosened food particles.

Getting braces is a big step in life and we understand that you will have questions and concerns. We can help you with all of those questions and concerns, so come in and see us at one of our three southwest Washington locations, or give us a call at 360-883-3800. Click here to learn more about Dr. Croft.