Wellness
Keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape.
That said, the orthodontic contraption introduces some tricky challenges that make taking care of your teeth extra important.
Sure,cavitiesare always a risk.
But many-a-metal-mouth has worried aboutwhite spotsshowing up under or around brace brackets.
And yep, theyre a sign that your oral hygiene efforts have fallen short.
You just have to familiarize yourself with proper braces care so your choppers stay in tip-top shape.
Periodontal problems and poor hygiene go hand-in-hand.
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Best Toothbrush For Braces
Forget about picking your favorite color.
Youll want to begin using atoothbrushthat has extra soft bristles that wont harm your braces.
If youve got the bones to seriously invest in your teeth,Dr.
That said, youll have to floss a little differently to get behind your wires and between your teeth.
Exercise caution to avoid poking yourself in the gums and go slowly, flossing up and down each tooth.
He recommends swishing with the alcohol-freeCrest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwashfor the job.
How To Use Mouthwash With Braces
OK, so you know how to swish and spit.
Another option he suggests?
Try using fluoride rinse instead of water in your irrigator for an extra fresh mouth.
The Bottom Line
Studies referenced:
Buzalaf, M. (2012).
Saliva and dental erosion.
J Appl Oral Sci.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881791/
He, S. (2011).
A clinical study to assess the 12-hour antimicrobial effects of cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwashes on supragingival plaque bacteria.
J Clin Dent.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22403975/
Kanduti, D. (2016).
FLUORIDE: A REVIEW OF USE AND EFFECTS ON HEALTH.
Mater Soociomed.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851520/
Skafida, V. (2018).
Journal of Public Health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6166585/
Walsh, T. (2019).
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries.
