How to clean teeth with braces

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is one of the treatment options available in the event of suffering from irregular teeth in order to improve their appearance, locations and function. ^[1] Orthodontics are divided into two main types, which we explain as follows: ^[2]

• Fixed orthodontics: It is the most widely used type of orthodontic, and it is resorted to when a person’s teeth need to be tightly fixed, and among its types is the orthodontic that consists of several brackets tied with special wires and bands, and the bands are fixed around the teeth as they act as anchors for the orthodontic . The middle of the tooth from the front.
• Removable braces: Also called movable braces, this type of orthodontic is not fixed on the teeth, and it is used to solve some simple dental problems such as: simple curvature and finger sucking problem.

Teeth cleaning during braces

The advice provided regarding orthodontic cleaning depends on the type of orthodontic used, and this can be detailed as follows:

Teeth cleaning with fixed braces

It is very necessary to pay attention to dental hygiene after installing orthodontics in order to reduce the risk of gum irritation and tooth decay, which in turn may affect the time required for treatment, in addition to the possibility of changing the color of the teeth and the appearance of white spots around the brackets installed on the teeth in the absence of attention to their cleanliness, and it is worth noting That the doctor, after completing the installation of orthodontics, explains to the person in detail about appropriate and effective methods of cleaning, as well as explaining the methods of dental care, including the following: ^[3]

Choose the right toothbrush

A regular toothbrush may not be a suitable option very often after orthodontic installation, and it is preferable to use an electronic toothbrush because it helps to clean teeth better and easier. Type Its design allows for the removal of food debris from some discreet parts. ^[4]

How to clean the teeth by brushing with the braces

Before starting to brush the teeth, it is advised to rinse with water for about thirty seconds to help get rid of food residues between the teeth and on the brackets attached to the teeth, and after adding toothpaste, the front of the teeth is cleaned so that the toothbrush is held at an angle of 45 degrees above the gum line and focus on Cleaning around orthodontic brackets and cleaning their surfaces, the back surfaces facing the mouth and throat must be cleaned at the same angle used when cleaning the front surfaces of the teeth, and focus must be placed on cleaning the back molars well, as the risk of these teeth decay increases due to the difficulty in accessing them and cleaning them as required, and attention must be paid to cleaning Teeth at the gum line, where it is considered one of the places where plaque collects most, and it should not be neglected to pass the toothbrush over the top of the teeth, which is the part responsible for biting and grinding food, and it is recommended to brush the teeth in a circular motion to help clean all surfaces, including the back surfaces ofTeeth, and after completing this step, it is recommended to try to insert the bristles of the toothbrush in the place separating the braces of the orthodontics, where the bristles are inserted from above and moved back and forth, and then repeat the same process after inserting the bristles from the bottom, and it is worth noting that this method does not It can be applied in the event that an electronic toothbrush is used while it is working, as this may lead to jamming of the bristles between the parts of the braces, so be careful to turn off the brush before cleaning this area manually, and in the last step of brushing the teeth must wash the mouthThis indicates that the bristles are jammed between the parts of the braces, so be careful to turn off the brush before cleaning this area manually, and in the last step of brushing the teeth, you must wash the mouthThis indicates that the bristles are jammed between the parts of the braces, so be careful to turn off the brush before cleaning this area manually, and in the last step of brushing the teeth you must wash the mouthAnd rinse well to get rid of stuck-on dirt that was removed by cleaning, as for the number of times you brush your teeth a day, doctors often advise you to brush them twice a day, and the doctor may ask to increase this number in some cases depending on the position of the teeth and the treatment plan. ^{[3] [5]}

It should be noted that gently cleaning must be reconciled to maintain the integrity of the teeth, straightening, and cleaning with sufficient force to remove the dirt stuck to the braces, wires, and between the teeth, and the doctor may also recommend the use of toothpaste containing a higher proportion of the compound fluoride to help clean Teeth more efficiently after orthodontics. ^{[6] [5]}

Wash the toothbrush and replace it periodically

Always be careful to wash and clean the toothbrush well before and after its use, as well as be careful to remove food residues on the brush to prevent the growth of bacteria, and also be careful to replace the toothbrush periodically every three months, as the orthodontic metal causes wear Toothbrush bristles are at a higher rate than in cases where braces are not present. ^[4]

Flossing

Dental flossing must also be used periodically to clean the teeth after orthodontic placement, because it has a role in removing food residues and plaque stuck in places that the toothbrush does not usually reach, and a special type of dental thread can be used that is designed to fit the braces so that the person can Cleaning between the braces and wires, and it is recommended to floss the teeth after eating any meal to maintain the cleanliness of the teeth and the orthodontic, and it is worth noting that the appropriate length of the thread is approximately 45 centimeters, and each tooth is cleaned with a new and clean part of the thread. Getting the thread through the narrow areas, being careful to use the thread gently to keep the straightening cords intact. ^[7]

Waterjet device

After brushing and flossing the teeth, it is recommended to use a water jet device, if available, to help remove food parts that are still stuck between the teeth and on the braces, and an antiseptic mouthwash, such as that containing Peroxyl, can be added to the water used to help Increase cleaning efficiency. ^[8]

mouthwash

It is necessary to use mouthwash that contains fluoride at least four times a day after having orthodontics, especially in the early stages of treatment, as the mouth is not accustomed to having orthodontics, which may lead to a higher risk of gathering Foods around wires and braces and the formation of plaques, and the lotion contributes to the prevention of minor infections that may arise in the gums after installing the braces , and it is possible to use one of the antiseptic lotions such as the one that contains peroxide to prevent contamination of minor scratches and wounds that may occur after the installation It is worth noting that using mouthwash after brushing and flossing helps maintain oral healthAnd teeth, preventing bad breath, in addition to eliminating harmful bacteria that hide in the mouth, the use of mouthwash also contributes to the prevention of tooth decay, with attention to following the instructions attached to the lotion and the instructions of the dentist, and it is worth noting that mouthwash does not sing Never use a toothbrush and floss. ^{[4] [8]}

Gargle with water and salt

The doctor often asks the person after installing the braces to gargle with salt and water periodically during the first period of installation, to help reduce pain and inflammation in the gums and teeth, in addition to the role of gargling in maintaining the cleanliness of the teeth and mouth, and gargling with water and salt can be stopped after the disappearance Pain and irritation, and a return to gargling again if the calendar is modified for a limited period as well, as some people may not want to gargle with water and salt on a daily basis. ^[4]

Teeth cleaning with removable braces

As mentioned earlier, some simple cases of dental curvature may not require a fixed orthodontic installation, and a movable orthodontic can be satisfied that can be removed easily, and this type of orthodontic is usually known as clear orthodontics that is worn for a period of nine months or More depending on the case, and in this case, care must be taken to wear the braces for as long as possible during the day and during sleep, as the person must remove the braces when wanting to eat any of the different foods and drinks except for drinking water, and the calendar is not repeated again until after brushing the teeth thoroughly with the brush Also, be sure to floss at least once a day. ^{[9] [10]}

Teeth cleaning with a fixative

After the teeth reach the required degree of moderation, the orthodontic is removed, and the person often needs what is known as the fixation period, which is a period after the treatment period, in which what is known as a fixative is installed on the teeth to prevent their inclination and return to their original place, and the fixative is made of plastic material, In some cases, metal wires may be added to aid installation, and this fastener is usually removable. ^[11]

As for cleaning the teeth when using the fixer, the fixer should not be cleaned with toothpaste, but the fixative is removed before cleaning the teeth, and cleaning the fixative is very important, as it prevents the growth of bacteria and the accumulation of dirt on it, and it is cleaned by soaking it in a cup that contains warm water and a disinfectant intended for cleaning dentures. Then it is washed with clear water well before putting it back on the teeth again, and this is done daily or at least once a week, and the fixer must be soaked in mouthwash if it is not placed on the teeth in the mouth, taking care to wash it daily. ^{[8] [12]}

See the doctor periodically

Care must always be taken to adhere to the doctor's periodic visit dates to ensure the safety of the orthodontics and teeth, as well as to clean the teeth in the doctor's office every period as approved by the dentist, in order to maintain the integrity of the teeth and gums, and be careful to contact the doctor as soon as possible in the event of a problem In orthodontics, because a delay in solving the problem may cause an increase in the time required for treatment, in addition to the necessity to adhere to the doctor's instructions, as failure to adhere to these instructions may lead to an increased risk of some health complications and an increase in the duration of treatment. ^{[9] [13]}

Foods to be avoided during orthodontics

Some foods and drinks may affect the safety of orthodontics, so it is worth avoiding eating certain foods during the period of orthodontic treatment, and in general it is recommended to avoid foods of an acidic nature and to replace them with foods with less acidity, such as replacing soft drinks with water and milk and replacing oranges with bananas . The doctor a complete list of foods that can be eaten during the period of treatment and foods that are recommended to avoid it , ^[8] and comes with mention of some of the foods that are recommended to avoid it during the period of treatment calendar: ^[10]

• Sticky and sticky foods: such as : chewy sweets, gum, caramel, and toffee sweets, because they may stick to the calendar, and even pull out part of the calendar in some cases.
• Solid and crunchy foods: such as: raw carrots, hard sweets, ice cubes , nuts, and popcorn, because they may have an effect that may lead to breaking parts of the calendar in some cases.

References

1. ↑ "Orthodontics , www.nhsinform.scot , Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited.
2. ↑ , "How can orthodontic treatment help ? , www.medicalnewstoday.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited."
3. ^ ^{A b} "A Guide , To Cleaning Teeth With Braces , Orthodonticassoc.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited by .
4. ^ ^{A b t w} "How To Keep is the My To Clean Braces , Www.orthodonticslimited.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited by .
5. ^ ^{A b} "Orthodontic Treatment , Www.dentalhealth.org/ , 11-8-2020. Edited by .
6. ↑ "How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces , www.smilesbyhudson.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020.
7. ↑ "Brushing and Flossing with Braces , www.abckiddentist.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020.
8. ^ ^{A b t w} "6 Ways To Keep is Clean Teeth With Braces , Drbaileyortho.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited by .
9. ^ ^{A b} "Dental Braces , Www.nchmd.org , 21-5-2019, Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited by .
10. ^ ^{A b} "Dental Braces , Www.mayoclinic.org , 11-8-2020. Edited by .
11. ↑ "Dental braces , www.drugs.com , 21-5-2019, Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited.
12. ↑ "Caring for Teeth With Braces and Retainers , www.webmd.com , Retrieved 11-8-2020.
13. ↑ "Orthodontics at Any Age , www.cda-adc.ca , Retrieved 11-8-2020. Edited.