Keeping your teeth and braces clean is an important part of the alignment process. Tooth decay related to poor oral hygiene can actually increase the total treatment time to realign your teeth. At Rivera Orthodontics in El Paso, Texas, our orthodontist, Dr. Jaime Rivera, has some tips to share with you about cleaning around your braces.
If you’re having issues flossing between teeth and around the gum line, you might want to try using a floss threader with waxed dental floss. This is a simple loop-shaped tool that can help work floss around wires and other hardware. Using waxed dental floss makes it easier to slide the strand into tight places.
Interdental brushes have small-angled brush heads that can help clean between wires and brackets as well as remove food particles from the contours near the gum line. They can be very helpful for clearing away small food particles from around bands and spacers.
Dental water jets and oral irrigators produce a concentrated stream of water that can help loosen and wash away food particles from hard-to-reach places. Just keep in mind that it cannot replace flossing.
If you have questions about the tools and techniques to help clean and maintain your braces in El Paso, Texas, please feel free to call your Rivera Orthodontics orthodontist, Dr. Jaime Rivera, at 915-592-5853 for further advice. Together we will help you create a healthy, aligned, more confident smile!