By Trace Lara
Living every day with braces can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine. In fact, keeping your braces clean is essential not just for your dental health but also for the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. While regular toothbrushes and floss are still relevant, there are specialized tools designed specifically for cleaning braces. Your orthodontist in Cary, NC, will be able to prescribe you special tools to keep your braces sparkling clean.
Let’s explore five such tools that can make your life with braces a little easier.
- Orthodontic Toothbrush
An orthodontic toothbrush is specifically designed to clean around the brackets and wires of your braces. These brushes come in several types, including manual, electric, and sonic versions. In fact, they feature bristles shaped in a ‘V’ or a ‘U’ to fit around your braces, ensuring that every nook and cranny gets thoroughly cleaned.
- Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes, often referred to as proxy brushes or interproximal brushes, are small brushes designed to clean between your teeth and around your braces. They come with a small, pointed bristle head that can easily get into tight spaces, making them perfect for cleaning under wires and around brackets.
- Water Flosser
A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is a device that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around your braces. In fact, it’s a great alternative to traditional floss, which can be tricky to navigate around braces. Moreover, the pressurized water can reach areas that regular brushing or flossing can’t.
- Orthodontic Wax
While not a cleaning tool per se, orthodontic wax plays a crucial role in your oral care routine when you have braces. Brackets and wires can sometimes cause irritation and sores in your mouth. So, applying a small piece of orthodontic wax can provide a smooth surface and protect your cheeks and gums from abrasion, ensuring that you can maintain your oral hygiene routine without discomfort.
- Floss Threaders
Flossing with braces can be a daunting task, but floss threaders make it easier. These handy tools work like a needle and thread to guide the floss under the brace wire and between the teeth. They are also reusable, easy to use, and can help ensure that your flossing routine remains thorough and effective despite your braces.
