Keeping Your Pearly Whites Healthy While Wearing Braces

At the dental practice of Dr. Scott A. Ervin in Terrell, Texas, we are pleased to provide comprehensive orthodontic care for our patients wanting a straighter smile. If you are wearing braces, you will want to go the extra mile when caring for your pearly whites. Preventing plaque is important even without braces, but braces, wires, springs and rubber bands are magnets for food particles and plaque buildup. Without constant removal, this buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

While wearing braces, your teeth (and gums) will benefit from brushing after every time you eat, whether it be a meal or snack. Using an oral irrigator (water flosser) is also a helpful tool to use while wearing braces as it can reach those places a toothbrush can’t. When caring for your pearly whites, our dentist recommends the following:

Brushing – brush with a soft toothbrush, brushing downwards from the top, and then up from the bottom. Do this with each tooth which has braces, using an interdental toothbrush. Remember to replace the toothbrush when the bristles begin to fray.

Flossing – place the short end of your floss through the space between the main arch wire and the upper section of your tooth nearest the gum. Gently work the floss on the sides of the two teeth the floss is between. There are also threader flosses that are designed to maneuver under and around your wires.

Mouthwash – round out your oral hygiene routine with an anti-cavity fluoride mouthwash that can rinse away loosened particles and oral debris and also kill any lingering bacteria.

At Dr. Scott A. Ervin’s practice in Terrell, Texas, we pride ourselves in providing you with the highest quality care your smile deserves. For more information, or to schedule your next visit with our team, please call us today at 972-563-1670!