How to Keep Your Teeth Clean While Wearing Houston Braces

We all know the importance of oral hygiene for fresh breath, healthy teeth, and a whiter smile, but dental braces can impede one’s ability to keep teeth clean. Since issues like tooth decay and cavities are more common while wearing braces, Our South Houston pediatric dentist has some tips for keeping your teeth clean while undergoing dental braces treatment.

Tip 1: Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal 

Brushing and flossing twice each day is the norm in oral hygiene, but when you have Houston braces, you need to brush and floss your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that can lodge between the brackets and under the wire, leading to tooth decay. If your child has braces, our Houston family dentist recommends that you closely monitor your child’s brushing and flossing routine at the beginning of braces treatment to ensure proper technique. Assemble a small to-go kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss to keep with you at work or school so you always have the tools you need to keep your teeth clean while wearing Houston braces.

Tip 2: Add an Interdental Toothbrush to Your Houston Braces Hygiene Routine

Interdental brushes are designed to clean those hard-to-reach spots under wires and between brackets that your regular toothbrush may miss. Interdental toothbrushes can be found in most drugstores and provide an extra opportunity to remove plaque and food particles.

Tip 3: Use Wax To Protect Your Mouth from Irritation 

Those metal brackets work beautifully to straighten your teeth, but they can rub on the inside of your mouth, causing irritation. If left unaddressed, that irritation can lead to sores or even infection. Our South Houston dentist suggests using braces wax over the surface of the brackets, especially when you first get your braces and after each tightening.

Tip 4: Avoid Foods That Can Get Stuck In Your Houston Braces

Gum, candy, nuts, and chips are a no-no when wearing braces, not only because they can cause a bracket to pop off and require an immediate visit to our South Houston dentist, but also because these foods can easily get stuck under the wires or around the brackets. When this occurs, it can easily be overlooked during your brushing and flossing routine and lead to bad breath and tooth decay.

Tip 5: Maintain Regular Visits To Our South Houston Family Dentist

While wearing Houston braces, it’s imperative that you visit our office according to the schedule recommended by our South Houston dentist. These routine appointments are intended to monitor your treatment, ensuring your teeth are clean, healthy, and shifting properly. In the rare event that issues arise, we can catch them early and respond more effectively.

Learn Why Centra Dental Is Houston’s Choice for Quality Dental Care

Our South Houston family dentist strives to offer top-notch, compassionate care in a clean and modern environment. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’d love to show you why we’re one of Houston’s highest-rated dentists. We offer a variety of dental services and treatments, so contact us today to schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist that will keep your entire family smiling.