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Top Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces

Home » Top Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces

  • Farina Orthodontic Specialists
  • August 12, 2024

Having braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial for ensuring the best results. At Farina Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy while you’re on your journey to a perfect smile. Here are our top tips for maintaining oral hygiene with braces.

Daily Cleaning Routines for Braces

Keeping your braces clean requires a bit more effort than regular dental care, but it’s essential to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Brushing

  • Brush After Every Meal: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around the brackets and wires. Aim to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth.
  • Use an Interdental Brush: These small brushes can help clean between the wires and brackets, reaching areas your regular toothbrush might miss.

Flossing

  • Floss Daily: Using orthodontic floss threaders or special orthodontic floss can make it easier to clean between your teeth and under the wires.
  • Water Flossers: These devices use a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque, providing an effective alternative to traditional flossing.

Rinsing

Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to rinse your mouth, reducing bacteria and strengthening your enamel.

Recommended Oral Hygiene Products

  • Orthodontic Toothbrushes: Look for toothbrushes specifically designed for braces, with V-shaped bristles to clean around brackets and wires more effectively.
  • Floss Threaders: These handy tools make it easier to thread floss behind your braces, ensuring you can clean between your teeth thoroughly.
  • Interdental Brushes: These small brushes can reach areas that your regular toothbrush cannot, making them ideal for cleaning around brackets and wires.
  • Fluoride Mouthwash: Strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities with a fluoride rinse, which also helps to reduce plaque and bacteria.

How to Handle Common Issues

Food Stuck in Braces

It’s common for food to get stuck in your braces. Use an interdental brush or a floss threader to gently remove any trapped food particles. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to ensure all debris is cleared away.

Discomfort

It’s normal to experience some discomfort, especially after adjustments. Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires causing irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort.

Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular visits to your orthodontist and dentist are crucial during your treatment. These check-ups allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments, while your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.

  • Orthodontic Check-Ups: Schedule appointments every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.
  • Dental Cleanings: Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams to catch any potential issues early.

Diet Recommendations to Protect Braces

Certain foods can damage your braces or make maintaining oral hygiene more difficult. Here are some dietary tips to protect your braces:

  • Foods like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, chewing gum, and caramel can damage your braces and should be avoided.
  • Instead of biting into whole fruits or vegetables, cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.
  • Opt for soft foods like yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, and smoothies, which are gentler on your braces.

At Farina Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced orthodontists use advanced technology to deliver precise and effective treatments, ensuring your journey to a perfect smile is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Schedule a consultation or check-up with us today to ensure your oral hygiene is on track while you achieve your dream smile.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

Tammy F.
I really just cannot express what a wonderful orthodontist, this is. Very very very professional very neat and clean. Everybody is on top of everything. If more companies like this existed the United States would be way better off. Dr Farina has really set the standard. My daughter’s teeth is absolutely beautiful. I never had to say anything the doctors they were always in agreement and even spoke my concerns before I spoke them. A+++++++. Top notch organization. I highly highly recommend you will definitely not go wrong choosing Farina Orthodontist
Alicia H.
Everyone was so nice, and answered all my questions! I really appreciate the staff fitting me in today, despite my personal mixup with the appointment time. Thank you so much. :-)
Response from the owner:We're glad we were able to help, Alicia! We appreciate the positive feedback for our team.
Juan-Carlos
Very satisfied with the results. I was nervous when first starting treatment but after about 1 year and half I couldn't be happier. Trust in the process because with farina you're in good hands. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your treatment, Juan-Carlos! We're thrilled that you love your new smile.
Carmen D.
Dr Franco and staff are great and you always feel like they truly care about their patients plan and provide excellent quality care.
Response from the owner:We appreciate the valuable feedback about Dr. Franco and our team, Carmen! Our patients' care is always our top priority.
Brigid S.
Such an incredible experience. Finished my treatment today and I could not be happier with the results. Everyone in the office is so friendly and sweet and the doctor is amazing! Thank you all so much!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Brigid! We appreciate your trust in our team and couldn't be happier that you love your new smile.
Fantasia N.
The absolute best Orthodontics ever the staff is super sweet! The office is super clean as well!
they also work with you if you are needing financing our financial coordinator was so amazing...so blessed to find Farina!
Update!!! Braces are off and Dr Davis did an amazing job thank you for everything!
Response from the owner:Congratulations on your awesome new smile, and thanks so much for the great feedback for Dr. Davis and our whole team!
Lisa S.
Dr. Davis is wonderful, she had a challenging case with me and was able to achieve my dental goals. Her chair side manner is calming and reassuring, she’s the best!!
Response from the owner:We are thrilled that you've loved your orthodontic experience with Dr. Davis! We appreciate your trust in our team and the outstanding feedback.
Patrice F.
Love Farina Orthodontic!!! The staff is kind, polite and professional. Dr. Franco explained everything and was very patient. Sabrina added my daughter’s braces and explained what she should expect. I would recommend 10/10!!!
Response from the owner:Your feedback is greatly appreciated, Patrice - thank you!
Amaiya A.
Amazing service, Dr. Farina was very kind and friendly along with all the dental assistants. 100/10 recommend!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Amaiya!
Ruth R.
El Doctor Franco es un Excelente profesional, estoy feliz con los resultados de mi ortodoncia
Response from the owner:Estamos muy contentos de que te encante tu nueva sonrisa, Ruth, y no podríamos estar más de acuerdo contigo sobre el Dr. Franco! Gracias por tomarte el tiempo de dejarnos una reseña.
Lee
El mejor equipo de ortodoncia que existe. Dr. Franco y sus empleados EXELENTES. Los voy a extrañar 😁
Response from the owner:Gracias por los maravillosos comentarios, Lee! Nos alegra mucho saber que tuviste una excelente experiencia con el Dr. Franco y nuestro equipo. No dudes en pasar a saludar cuando quieras!
Jessica M.
We absolutely love Dr. Farina's office, both our girls do treatment with them. ❣️😎
Response from the owner:We appreciate your trust in our team, Jessica! Thank you for the fantastic 5-star review.
Wanda G.
Con gran felicidad y agradecimiento hoy culminamos este proceso con mi hija el cual conllevó mucho sacrificio y dedicación de parte nuestra.
Y todo de las manos y excelencia profesional y gran calidad humana del Dr Franco y todo el Staff de Farina Orthodontic
Calidad 100% garantizada,
Lo recomiendo a ojos cerrados.
La felicidad que resalta en el rostro de mi hija no tiene precio.
Muchísimas gracias!!! ✨🤩✨
Response from the owner:Nos sentimos honrados de que haya elegido al Dr. Franco y a nuestro equipo para formar parte del camino hacia la sonrisa de su hija. Su sonrisa es hermosa y la confianza que ha ganado no tiene precio. ¡Gracias por la maravillosa reseña, Wanda!
Michele N.
Absolutely amazing staff!! They have always been professional and caring. 100% would recommend to friends and family.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Michele - your recommendation to friends is the biggest compliment we could receive! We're so glad you've had an amazing experience with us.
Sabrina Aguiar C.
Dr. David was great during my daughter’s treatment and the results were awesome! Thank you so much!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the wonderful feedback for Dr. Davis, Sabrina! We are so excited that you love your daughter's results, and we appreciate your trust in our team.

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