{"id":141,"date":"2024-07-08T20:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T20:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gandgpediatricdentistryandorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=141"},"modified":"2024-08-16T20:46:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T20:46:33","slug":"keeping-teeth-clean-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gandgpediatricdentistryandorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=141","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Teeth Clean with Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Metal braces<\/a> can get a bad rep, but when all is said and done, they straighten teeth quite beautifully. Still, while you and your teen wait for that momentous occasion, they might get grossed out. Food particles will get trapped in their orthodontics and can be surprisingly difficult to get out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides being icky, dental debris isn\u2019t good for your teen\u2019s oral health. Fortunately, there are ways they can maneuver around their orthodontics to get at stubborn food particles. With some practice and these protips, cleaning braces can be a breeze!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Rinse, Floss, and Then<\/em> Brush!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both you and your teen are probably used to brushing your teeth first, then getting between gaps with floss. However, brushing first with braces can force food particles into even harder-to-reach places! Instead, your teen should swish warm water around their mouth to loosen up debris. After removing larger pieces with a good flossing, it\u2019ll be much easier for a toothbrush to do its thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus tip: water flossers are generally more effective than traditional thread and can be especially helpful for braces!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean with A Flourish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The way that your teen uses their toothbrush is also important. Holding your brush at a 45-degree angle is recommended for all kinds of teeth and is particularly effective for cleaning brackets and getting behind wires. Moving in a circular motion is another way to get the laws of physics on your side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus tip: electric toothbrushes can come with changeable brush heads, including ones specially designed for metal orthodontics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Routines Get Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your teen might find oral hygiene with braces tedious, especially when they have to keep it up twice a day! But it\u2019s important for the two of you to remember that a consistent cleaning routine will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n