Introduction

Are you about to start orthodontic treatment or already undergoing one? Proper care is crucial for maintaining your braces and ensuring overall oral health. Since braces come in different styles, from clear removable aligners to conventional fixed ones, effective care can be challenging. Read on to discover the key advantages of interdental brushing for cleaning braces.

Importance of Oral Health for Orthodontic Treatment

Each time you eat or drink, the acid and sugar in the food or drink attack your teeth, gradually wearing away the protective enamel. As the enamel erodes, your teeth become vulnerable to bacterial infections, which can lead to cavities.

You can defend your teeth against this acid or sugar attack by using the right toothbrush and toothpaste. However, brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and maintaining a sensible diet are also crucial.

Although brushing and flossing may seem simple, they become more difficult when you're wearing adult braces. Traditional brushing techniques may not effectively remove food particles trapped in the brackets, wires, or bands of your braces. As a result, your teeth become susceptible to plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay. This is why adult braces require extra care, proper oral hygiene, and thorough cleaning.

How Does Interdental Brushing Keep Your Braces Clean?

Regular brushing reaches only about 60% of your teeth, often missing certain areas, which can lead to plaque build-up and gum inflammation.

An interdental brush is a small tufted brush designed to reach the areas of your teeth that regular brushes can't. Interdental brushes are especially useful for cleaning the hard-to-reach spots beneath the brackets and wires of fixed braces, making them essential for adult braces that are not removable.

Using an interdental brush once a day, along with regular tooth brushing, ensures proper care of your teeth and gums while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Interdental brushes come in various sizes, and effective cleaning may require more than just your regular toothbrush. Consult with an orthodontist to determine the right type of interdental brush for your braces.

How to Use Interdental Brushes: Tips for Adult Braces

To maintain healthy gums and teeth while wearing braces, use an interdental brush once a day. Here are some tips for effective use:

• Choose the correct size of interdental brush with the help of your orthodontist.
• Insert the brush gently and move it back and forth across the spaces between your teeth.
• If you find the brush uncomfortable, consider changing the size to better reach around and under the metal wires of your braces.
• If necessary, curve the brush manually to reach the spaces between the wires and your teeth.
• Replace the brush as soon as the bristles begin to wear out.

Determining the Size of Interdental Brushes for Your Braces

Interdental brushes come in various sizes and widths. It’s essential to choose the correct size for your braces.

When trying a specific size, don’t force the brush between your teeth. If it feels too tight, opt for a smaller size. A brush that is too small may not clean effectively, while one that is too large can damage your gums and teeth.

Start by using a medium-sized interdental brush to clean around the orthodontic wires and brackets. Testing this size will help you determine whether you need a larger or smaller brush. If you're new to interdental brushing, seek guidance from your orthodontist.

How Often Should You Use an Interdental Brush?

Keep track of your interdental brush’s condition to determine how often it should be used. You can reuse some interdental brushes after thoroughly rinsing them, but replace them as soon as the bristles start to wear out.

As for frequency, you only need to use an interdental brush once a day. Ideally, use it before brushing your teeth with your regular toothbrush.

Final Thoughts

Proper care of your clear or traditional adult braces is essential for maintaining your dental health during orthodontic treatment. Interdental brushing is a key tool for effective care. It’s important to understand the basics, such as how to use interdental brushes, selecting the correct size, and knowing when to use them. Contact Adult Braces London for expert advice and to improve your oral health.