Orthodontics
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, especially if you have braces. The use of interdental brushes is an effective tool for cleaning the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and around orthodontic appliances. Incorporating interdental cleaning into your daily routine helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In this guide, we show you step-by-step how to use interdental brushes to keep your braces spotless.
Steps to Clean Your Braces with Interdental Brushes:
- Choose the right size interdental brush: The oral health care professional will indicate the correct size of the interdental brush for you.
- Insert the brush carefully:Gently insert the interdental brush between your teeth and around the wires of your braces. Avoid applying too much force to prevent gum damage. Insert the brush parallel to the gums to effectively clean around orthodontic arch wires and braces.
- Clean between the teeth and the wire:Move the interdental brush back and forth between the tooth and the wire, ensuring that the interdental brush does not point towards the gums. Repeat this motion in each in all the wire to remove any food debris and plaque. Brush up and down several times between the wire and teeth to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Rinse the brush frequently: After each use, rinse the interdental brush under running water to remove debris and plaque and keep it clean.
- Don’t forget to clean removable appliances: If you use aligners or other removable appliances, take them out before cleaning. Use the interdental brush to clean interdentally and all the areas around where the appliances sit. Also, follow your orthodontist’s instructions for cleaning the aligners.
- Complete your hygiene routine: After using the interdental brush, brush your teeth with a orthodontic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively use interdental brushes to maintain both your teeth and your braces clean and healthy. Consistent use of interdental brushes, combined with proper oral hygiene practices, will contribute to the overall health of your teeth and gums during your orthodontic journey.