If you’ve been to your local dentist Newport Beach and gotten a cleaning, you may be wondering how to make that nice, clean feeling last as long as possible between visits. You probably already know the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, but if you’ve got braces or tight junctions between your teeth (teeth that are very close together) you may have to be more strategic than someone without these challenges.
Use The Correct Tools
When you’ve got tight teeth or braces, the odds are that you’re going to need a more specialized set of dental care tools than the person who can get away with just grabbing whichever toothbrush is on sale at the grocery store. Here are some items that might help you get the reach you need to keep your teeth clean:
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Flossing Tools
Regular waxed floss is too thick to get between teeth for many people and can be tricky to maneuver to clean underneath braces. Instead, consider:
- “Ribbon”-style floss. Designed to slip smoothly between tight teeth, this floss can be easier for some people to maneuver
- Flossing picks and “floss threaders” for braces.
- Gum picks – these are soft, brush-type flossing implements
- A “water pick” – although more expensive than floss picks, a water flosser is also the most versatile and gentlest option.
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Toothbrushes
While it may seem like toothbrushes are all the same, if you have braces or difficult-to-reach wisdom teeth you may need to invest in more than a simple, straight brush. Be sure that any brushes you use have soft, round bristles. Consider using:
- Electric toothbrushes: these can make it easier to brush in several directions.
- A proxabrush or “Christmas tree brush” is specially designed to brush between two braces.
- Again, consider a water flosser to remove bits of food that might become stuck under your braces. You can mix an antiseptic mouthwash with the water to discourage bacteria from growing around your braces.
Having braces or teeth that are close together can make dental care more challenging, but also more important. Giving yourself the proper tools and learning how to use them correctly can ensure that your teeth will be strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.
Sources:
How To Clean Braces – www.colgate.com
Caring For Teeth With Braces And Retainers – www.webmd.com.