EVERY ORTHODONTIC PATIENT dreams of Braces Off Day, but tooth decay and unsightly stains can make that dream smile harder to achieve if we aren’t careful about daily dental hygiene while the braces are on. Here are a few crucial tips to follow to get the best results:
#1: Brush after each meal.
Yes, including lunch. Food particles can remain stuck in the braces for hours after lunch, so bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to work or school. A few interdental brushes for extra security wouldn’t hurt either. (Just be careful to store the toothbrush somewhere it can dry out between uses because it won’t take long for it to develop some funky smells if it stays damp.)
#2: Floss daily.
This may be even more important than brushing, whether it involves traditional floss and floss threaders, floss picks, or a water flosser. Trust us, flossing is worth the effort, even if braces can make it a little trickier to do.
#3: Avoid whitening products.
Someone with a perfect dental hygiene routine could still end up with post-braces stains by using whitening products because they can’t reach the spots covered by brackets! Hold off on whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, strips, and treatments until the braces come off.