Wearing braces can be a love-hate relationship. You want straight teeth; however, braces can present many potential challenges like plaque buildup.
In this article, you’ll learn all about how to get rid of plaque with braces so you never have to worry about ruining your pearly whites.
How to remove plaque from teeth with braces at home?
Plaque is a mixture of food and bacteria. Wearing braces puts you at a greater risk for dental issues like plaque buildup because it makes brushing and flossing more difficult.
Some studies have discovered that those who wear braces are up to two to three times more likely to experience plaque build-up compared to those who don’t wear braces.
But, that doesn’t mean you should let your teeth rot with braces. Here are the top four cleaning methods you should know about to get rid of plaque with braces.
1. Use a Floss Threader To Remove Plaque
A floss threader is specially designed for brace wearers to reach difficult areas to clean their teeth. Simply pass the floss threader behind your braces, ensuring you get each tooth and making it easier to clean your teeth.
2. Use an Oral Irrigator To Remove Plaque
A water flosser, or oral irrigator, sprays pressurized water between your teeth. This makes it easy also to get those tough areas underneath your brace’s brackets and wires where plaque buildup is common.
3. Brush Your Teeth 4 Times A Day
Typically, most people brush their teeth twice a day. However, those with braces should consider brushing their teeth, if they can, four times a day. This will serve as a preventative measure for plaque buildup by brushing your teeth after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and right before you go to bed.
A helpful tip is to also change your toothbrush frequently to ensure you are getting a proper brush with strong bristles. Consider replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner to ensure you are getting the most out of brushing your teeth.
4. Use Mouthwash To Remove Plaque
Another easy method is using mouthwash up to four times a day to minimize your risk of plaque buildup. Mouthwash is great because it not only cleans your teeth but helps with your overall oral hygiene health like cleaning your tongue and gums.
Following these four simple techniques (floss threader, oral irrigator, brushing your teeth four times a day, and using mouthwash) will help prevent plaque buildup and remove any buildup that has already started to form inside your mouth. Remember to use each of these four methods daily to reduce your risk of plaque buildup!
Is it normal to have plaque with braces?
Yes! It’s normal to have plaque with braces, but that doesn’t mean you should let it buildup. Your braces make it easy for plaque to hide in hard-to-reach areas due to all the wires and brackets in your teeth.
Do braces cause more plaque?
Unfortunately, yes braces cause more plaque because it is more difficult to brush your teeth and floss regularly compared to someone without braces. With that said, make sure to use the above techniques like a floss threader, oral irrigator, brushing your teeth up to four times a day, and using mouthwash daily to reduce your risk of plaque buildup.
