As the sun begins to shine brighter and the flowers start to bloom, we all know what time it is: spring cleaning! While you’re busy decluttering your home and tidying up your living space, don’t forget about another important task this time of year; taking care of your teeth.

If you wear braces, you know how important it is to keep your teeth and gums clean. You have likely already noticed that braces can easily trap food particles and make it harder to floss thoroughly, putting you at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: water flossing!

Flossing is just as important as brushing those pearly whites. This task can be made easier by using a water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator. This innovative device uses a pulsing stream of water to clean between your teeth and along your gumline. Water flossing is especially useful for people with braces, as it can help flush out any leftover debris or food particles that may be stuck in the wires and brackets.

Here are some tips for using a water flosser while wearing braces:

• Use lukewarm water: Cold water can be uncomfortable on sensitive teeth, while hot water can damage the device. Lukewarm water is the perfect temperature for using a water flosser.
• Start at a low setting: If you’ve never used a water flosser before, start at a low setting and gradually increase the pressure as you get used to the sensation.
• Aim for the gumline: Place the tip of the water flosser at a 90-degree angle to your gumline and work your way along each tooth, paying careful attention to those sections around your braces hardware; the brackets and wires.
• Take your time: Don’t rush the flossing process. Make sure to thoroughly clean each tooth and bracket.
• Use mouthwash: After you’ve finished using the water flosser, rinse your mouth using an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill any remaining oral bacteria while refreshing your breath.

In addition to using a water flosser, it’s also important to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine while you are wearing braces. Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy while you are having orthodontic treatment done.

• Brush your teeth and braces at least twice a day: You can use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to gently and effectively clean your teeth and braces.
• Floss at least once a day: Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to thoroughly clean between your teeth and along your gumline.
• Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods: These types of foods can damage your braces and increase your risk of tooth decay.
• Visit our orthodontist regularly: Our skilled orthodontist will be able to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces.

If you are using clear aligners instead of braces to straighten your teeth and bite, cleaning is easy and still essential. Just take out your aligner tray to brush and floss normally. Be sure to clean your aligners daily as well. And that’s it!

While you’re busy spring cleaning your home, don’t forget to take good care of your teeth, too. With a little extra effort and the help of a water flosser, you can keep your smile healthy and bright while undergoing orthodontic treatment!