Going through orthodontic treatment with braces means you will have to take extra care to clean your teeth thoroughly. To do this, you’ll need to brush your teeth after every meal so you avoid tooth decay. While you should always carefully pick out the right toothbrush, it’s even more important to know which toothbrush to choose and how to take care of it when you have braces.
What to Look for in a Toothbrush with Braces
One of the most important aspects of brushing your teeth with braces is making sure you keep your braces and your teeth free from harm. Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than a hard-bristled toothbrush. Toothbrushes made with hard bristles already have some potential to damage your enamel and cause some wear on your gums, so you should avoid them regardless of whether or not you have braces. However, it’s even more important to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with braces since There will be less of a chance of you damaging your brackets or archwire. They’re also just as good at cleaning bacteria off your teeth as hard-bristled toothbrushes.
Another thing to look for in your toothbrush when you have braces is a small toothbrush head. Toothbrushes with large, clunky heads tend to make it difficult to reach every part of your teeth, making it more likely you’ll miss crucial parts of your teeth when you brush. Plus, when you use a toothbrush with a smaller head, you are less likely to accidentally scrape your teeth or braces with the hard plastic.
Other options to look for in a toothbrush include a wide-grip handle and built-in tongue cleaner.
Caring for your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are susceptible to bacterial growth, especially if stored improperly. If your toothbrush is kept in a place with no airflow, it could lead to unpleasant odors or even mold. The traditional method of keeping your toothbrush stored upright in a holder is the best way to go. You can also keep your toothbrush free of bacteria by rinsing it with hot water before and after you brush your teeth.
Be sure to tap the water off at the end to keep it dry, which further helps prevent bacteria from growing on it. You can also try soaking your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash for about 15 minutes to really make sure it remains clean and sanitary. Just be sure not to forget about it, since any longer than this may damage your toothbrush.
Be sure to keep an eye on your toothbrush to make sure it doesn’t wear out. If you notice any fraying on the tips of the bristles, then it’s time to replace it. Ideally, if you change out your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, you should avoid any fraying. However, having braces may require you to replace your toothbrush even more often.
To learn more about caring for your braces, don’t hesitate to contact Charleston Orthodontic Specialists today!
