What Toothbrush Should You Use While Wearing Braces?
Got braces? Keeping your braces and teeth clean is an important part of the process, along with maintaining overall good oral health. You are going to need to brush well and often. Since keeping your teeth clean is so important, you’re probably wondering if you should buy a manual toothbrush or invest in an electric version? Does it really matter? That’s the question we’re going to address today.
There are a lot of toothbrushes on the market that can do the job. The basic answer is that you need a good toothbrush which you will actually use. You need the one that feels the most comfortable to you so that you will use it regularly. That said, most orthodontists prefer electric toothbrushes because they typically do a better job. That being said, the effectiveness of tooth brushing comes down to technique as well as the frequency and consistency that you brush.
The Best Way to Brush with Braces
You want to stay away from brushing in a side to side motion across your braces. When you brush, using a small amount of toothpaste, position your toothbrush at an angle so that it can get to hard to reach sections. It is also important to be thorough, giving every tooth individual attention. Braces can easily trap food particles which increases the risk of bacteria buildup and tooth decay, so it’s important to brush effectively.
Use a Soft Bristled Brush
We recommend that, whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you choose one with soft bristles. Hard-bristled brushes can aggravate the gums which may be sensitive due to your orthodontic treatment and can also wear down enamel. Soft-bristled brushes will clean just as efficiently without causing any harm or discomfort. If you do decide to use an electric toothbrush, choose an orthodontic tip which will help remove plaque buildup around your braces. Regardless of which toothbrush you choose, be sure to replace it regularly to ensure optimal effectiveness.
To get the optimal brushing technique down, I recommend watching a few of the hygiene videos we’ve posted in the past, showing how to properly brush your teeth. Click here to watch “How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces”.
Have any additional questions about caring for your braces? Contact E&S Orthodontics today. It’s our goal to make your entire orthodontic process comfortable and most importantly, successful.
