As an orthodontic patient, you’ve probably wondered if a dentist can clean your teeth while you have braces. After all, you wouldn’t want food and plaque to accumulate in your mouth and cause tooth decay. The good news is, yes, a dentist can still clean your teeth and provide other dental care even if you’re wearing braces. In this article, we’ll explain the process of how a dentist can clean teeth with braces and the importance of regular dental hygiene even with braces.
Yes, dentists can clean teeth with braces. They will use special tools, such as a small brush or floss threader, to get the areas around the brackets and wires clean. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride rinses or gels to help protect your teeth from decay. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for brushing and flossing with braces.
Can Dentist Clean Teeth With Braces?
From the time you get your braces on, you may have wondered if you still need to get your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist. The answer is yes, even if you have braces, you should still go to the dentist for regular cleanings. The dentist is the best person to remove plaque and other debris that can build up between the brackets and wires of your braces.
The Benefits of Professional Cleanings
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist while you have braces is beneficial for many reasons. Brushing and flossing at home is important, but it is not enough. It is difficult to reach certain areas of your teeth when you have braces, so plaque and bacteria can accumulate in the nooks and crannies. The dentist will clean the areas that you cannot reach, reducing the chances of cavities and other oral health issues.
Professional cleanings also help to protect the brackets and wires of your braces. When plaque and bacteria buildup around the braces, it can cause them to break or come loose. This can prolong the length of time that you need to wear braces. Regular professional cleanings will help to keep your braces in good condition and reduce the amount of time it takes to straighten your teeth.
What to Expect at a Professional Cleaning
When you go for a professional cleaning, the dentist will begin by checking your braces for any damage or loose wires. They will then use a special tool to remove plaque and other debris from around your braces. The dentist may also use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove plaque from the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth.
Once the plaque and debris is removed, the dentist will polish your teeth with a gritty paste and a spinning brush. This helps to remove any surface stains and make your teeth look brighter and cleaner. The dentist will also floss between each of your teeth and give you tips on how to care for your braces at home.
Caring For Your Teeth at Home
It is important to continue brushing and flossing your teeth at home while you have braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth and braces. You can also use a special interdental brush to clean between the brackets and wires of your braces.
Flossing can be difficult when you have braces, but it is very important. You may need to use a special floss threader to help you get the floss between each of your teeth. You should also rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing to help reduce plaque and bacteria.
Seeing Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
In addition to professional cleanings, it is important to see your dentist for regular checkups. The dentist will check your teeth for any issues and make sure that your braces are in good condition. They may also need to make adjustments to your braces from time to time to ensure that your teeth are being straightened properly.
Tips For Keeping Your Teeth Clean With Braces
There are a few things that you can do to keep your teeth clean while you have braces. Make sure to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. Avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can damage your braces and always rinse your mouth after eating. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Make sure to see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings.
How Often Should You Get Professional Cleanings With Braces?
It is recommended to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months while you have braces. This will help to keep your teeth and braces in good condition and reduce the amount of time that you need to wear braces.
Common Questions About Cleaning Teeth With Braces
Can I Use an Electric Toothbrush With Braces?
Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth while you have braces. It is important to use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the brackets and wires.
Should I Floss Every Day With Braces?
Yes, it is important to floss every day to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and braces. You may need to use a special floss threader to help you get the floss between each of your teeth.
Can I Use a Water Flosser With Braces?
Yes, you can use a water flosser to help clean around your braces. Make sure to use the water flosser on a low setting to avoid damaging the brackets and wires.
Are There Any Special Toothpastes For Cleaning Teeth With Braces?
Yes, there are special toothpastes that are designed to help clean teeth with braces. These toothpastes have a polishing agent that helps to remove plaque and food debris from around your braces.
Can I Use Mouthwash With Braces?
Yes, you can use an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Make sure to rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
Can I Whiten My Teeth While I Have Braces?
It is not recommended to whiten your teeth while you have braces. The whitening agent can damage the brackets and wires, so it is best to wait until your braces are removed before whitening your teeth.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Get Professional Cleanings With Braces?
If you don’t get professional cleanings with braces, plaque and bacteria can buildup around the brackets and wires. This can cause cavities and other oral health issues, and can also cause your braces to break or come loose. Getting regular professional cleanings will help to keep your teeth and braces in good condition.
Related Faq
Can Dentist Clean Teeth With Braces?
Yes, dentists can clean teeth with braces. The cleaning process may be slightly different than cleaning teeth without braces, but the end result is just as effective. During the cleaning, the dentist will use special instruments to remove plaque and debris from around the braces. This may include using a thin mirror to inspect hard to reach areas or a special brush to clean around the brackets and wires. After the plaque is removed, the dentist may use a fluoride paste to help reduce cavities and strengthen the enamel.
The dentist may also use dental floss to clean between the teeth and around the braces. This is an important step in the cleaning process, as it will help remove any food that may be stuck in the braces. Additionally, the dentist may recommend using an orthodontic floss threader to help floss around the braces. Taking care of your teeth with braces is an important part of the overall health of your mouth and can help prevent more serious oral health problems in the future.
Teeth Cleaning With Braces At The Dentist
Overall, it is clear that dentists are capable of cleaning teeth with braces. They have the right instruments and techniques to safely and effectively remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from the teeth. With regular visits to the dentist and proper oral hygiene, patients with braces can have healthy, beautiful smiles.
