Dental hygiene has a significant effect on the overall well being of a person. Not only does unkempt oral hygiene makes one look unattractive, but also can lead to major problems like tooth decay or tooth loss. Keeping up with oral hygiene becomes even more difficult with braces. They can hinder the daily cleaning routine and lead to stains on the teeth. The wires may trap food particles, which leads to plaque formation. Therefore, to avoid any damage to your teeth, it is important to devote time to properly clean them.

It is advised to brush your teeth after every meal. Since this may not be possible at all times, immediately rinsing the mouth with water to remove any leftover food particles helps in preventing the formation of plaque. It is also necessary to properly clean your teeth before going to bed to avoid any development of harmful bacteria.

Proper Brushing
The most effective way of keeping your braces clean is by brushing them properly. Soft-bristled brushes are recommended for people with braces. Electric toothbrushes can also help as there is no risk of the bristles getting stuck in the braces. Remember to brush all around the brackets and clean every part of your mouth. Begin by cleaning the exterior surface and then move slowly inwards. Changing a toothbrush frequently is also important as the metal wires in the braces may cause it to wear quickly.

Flossing
Traditional floss can help remove any undesirable particle from between your teeth. Alternatives to the typical floss like water flosser or oral irrigator and waxed dental floss are available for people with braces. These methods make the process of cleaning between the teeth easy and hassle-free and also more convenient than the conventional ones. Flossing around the wire might take up some extra time.

Mouthwash
If you are someone with braces, mouthwash can be your best friend. Using a mouthwash can clean off any remaining food particle left after brushing and flossing. A fluoride-containing mouthwash can be really effective in cleaning the mouth.

Tooth friendly diet
Avoiding food rich in sugar and acidic substances can also help in maintaining your oral health. Sticky foods should be avoided at all costs as they cling to the wires and make cleaning even more difficult.

Other than these adopting habits like frequently brushing several times a day, flossing every day and using specially designed equipment to clean the braces can help in avoiding any possible damage to your teeth.

Precautionary measures like these can help in avoiding any major harm to your teeth. Routine checks up by a dentist are important to ensure that there is no potential harm being caused to your teeth. Following these steps will help your teeth stay healthy and look perfect when the braces finally come off.

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