How often do you brush your teeth? If you can’t remember the last time you did, it’s a reminder that you need to brush your teeth as soon as possible. When you’re under orthodontic treatment, like wearing braces or Invisalign aligners, it is important that you take extra good care of your teeth. Forgetting to brush your teeth or floss after eating are questionable dental hygiene practices that must be benched immediately. When you are wearing braces, brushing and cleaning the gums come with extra importance.

How often do you brush your teeth when you are wearing braces? It needs to be done at least twice a day. However, it would be a good idea to floss or clean the spaces between the brackets every after a meal to avoid the build-up of food particles around it. Dentists in downtown Edmonton remind their patients that brushing more frequently does not mean brushing more aggressively each time. In fact, when you are wearing braces, it is best to be gentler when brushing to keep the wires and the brackets from being damaged.

What else do you need to remember when brushing your teeth while wearing braces? Here is lit to serve as a reminder:

•  Gargle water before you begin brushing to get rid of the first layer of food debris in the mouth after eating. The water helps get rid of the sauce and food particles that are left in the mouth immediately after eating.
• Make sure to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to use. Hard bristles won’t help clean the teeth. In fact, it might cause damages to the tooth enamel and the gums that could lead to more dental concerns.
• Remember to angle the brush to make sure that they reach between the brackets and the teeth. Doing so will help the bristles of the toothbrush to reach in between the wires and clean it without causing damages.
• When you can, end the night with a gargle of a fluoride rinse. It helps keep the teeth protected from bacteria growth overnight. You may ask your trusted dentist in Edmonton for recommendations. They may have brands they think would be best for you.
• While wearing braces, your teeth are being moved to the position where it should be. More than the straightening of the teeth, braces also serve as its protection. But braces won’t be enough. You also have to be conscious of what you eat. Keep the sweets away as they feed the bacteria in the mouth that causes significant damages to your teeth.

An ounce of prevention can do you and your dental health a lot of good. If you are wearing braces, make sure to consult with your dentist when due. Having an expert look at your dental condition is going to make a huge difference.