Wearing braces can be tough, but that's no reason to let your oral healthcare regime fall to pieces. If you're going to the trouble of making sure your teeth are nice and straight, it only makes sense to keep them as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to clean your teeth when braces have been fitted. On the plus side, there are a whole bunch of things you can pick up to make the process easier.

Here are just three.

1. Soft-Bristled Toothbrush with Small Head

Most people don't really think about the type of toothbrush head they use. After all, toothbrush heads can all seem quite interchangeable. However, anyone with braces should look for a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This is because softer bristles are far more flexible, meaning that they are easier to work around braces. Additionally, they aren't as likely to cause any wear or damage. As well as soft bristles, you should be on the lookout for brushes with a small head. These will be easier to manoeuvre when you're brushing around braces, especially if you're experiencing any discomfort.

Remember to replace your toothbrush frequently. Rubbing up against the parts of braces will cause the bristles to become worn quite quickly.  

2. Interdental Brushes

Using conventional string floss is perfectly possible for people who wear braces, but it isn't perfectly easy. Since you need to hold a piece of string floss on either side of a tooth, you need to thread that floss through the small gap between the brace's support and the gum line. That can be tricky at the front of the mouth, and it can be even harder at the back of the month.

Interdental brushes are much more convenient if you have braces. These smaller brushes are meant to slide between teeth, cleaning them just like normal floss would. Since they only need to be inserted from one side, you don't need to worry about that tricky threading manoeuvre.

3. Oral Irrigator

If you're really having trouble reaching certain teeth, you might want to consider investing in an oral irrigator. One of the newer oral healthcare devices, an oral irrigator directs a strong blast of water between teeth. This helps get rid of plaque while also washing away any food that has become stuck.  Food often gets stuck between braces, and it can be hard to brush out-of-reach areas no matter what kind of brush you use, so an oral irrigator might just be worth the expense.

For more tips, speak with your orthodontist.

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