Tools You Need To Clean Around Your Braces

Did you know braces are prone to bacteria-buildup if not cleaned right? Fixed orthodontic appliances should be cleaned on a day-to-day basis, with special attention given around the wires and brackets. If plaque isn’t cleaned away properly, not only will you suffer from unwanted cavities and infections, but it might also lead to demineralization around the brackets, which will leave white spots behind on your enamel. While dependent on the type of braces you wear, here are some helpful tools to have on hand when trying to keep your smile as clean as possible between regular dental checkups:

1. Proxy-brush

With their tufted ended tips, these look very much like small pipe cleaners, and are sometimes shaped like Christmas trees. This tool is great for brushing thoroughly against brackets and reaching under the wire.

2. Floss-threader

Thought you’d have to give up on flossing after getting your braces? Flossing is still a very important part of your oral hygiene routine as it reaches places your toothbrush can’t. A floss threader is a plastic, needle-like aid that helps you thread floss under the arch wire so you can floss between your teeth and near your gumline. Unsure of how to go about this? We can show you!

3. Super floss

Super floss tufts out in the middle and has stiff ends. This is thick, much like yarn, and is great for wiping away any build-up around your brackets.

4. Water flosser

Find flossing with regular floss way too cumbersome? A water flosser may be the next best solution for you. This device uses a steady stream of water that shoots out of a thin tip in order to clean away accumulated food debris and biofilm. This is ideal for people with fixed braces and gum disease.

5. Fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride is known for its ability to strengthen teeth and the enamel. Adding a fluoride mouthwash to your routine will help your teeth fight against tooth demineralization, which is usually the first step towards a cavity.

We conduct professional cleaning at Purity Dental, but we do recommend a good oral hygiene routine at home in between checkups to make sure your oral health is in tiptop shape. Reach us at (03) 9540 8900 if you need to schedule a consultation or to book your next scale and clean.