A Teenager's Guide to Braces

Taking care of your teeth while you wear braces requires an aggressive oral care routine. The smallest amount of negligence can result in bacteria and other contaminants causing damage to your mouth. This often happens because food and other debris can easily get stuck in your braces and hide in the small gaps that braces create. One of the most common signs of poor dental hygiene in individuals who wear braces is a receding gum line. A receding gum line occurs because of food and bacteria that build up around your gum line. When left uncleaned, the bacteria will cause your gums to recede. If you wear braces, this process can disrupt the way that they fit and feel. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to prevent this from happening.

Use a Water floss Along Your Gum line

It can be difficult to clean along your gum line properly because your braces protect your teeth. Instead of just neglecting your gum line, you can use a water flosser to maneuver around your braces. The flosser will deliver pressurized water into the areas where food and bacteria often hide. The pressure of the water will help to dislodge any hidden contaminants. The best time to use a water flosser is immediately after your meals. The water flosser should be moved along your gum line for a few minutes to ensure that all food as been removed. This will allow you to remove contaminants before they have a chance to turn into plaque and harden into tartar.

Use an Antibacterial Rinse After Your Meals

Keeping your mouth clean while wearing braces depends heavily on killing off bacteria in your mouth. This can be done with the help of an antibacterial rinse. You can purchase a commercial rinse from the store that you can use to clean your mouth immediately after your meals. When using the rinse, work it throughout your braces and focus on your gum line. Use your cheeks to move the rinse throughout your entire mouth. Allow your gums to fully soak in the mouthwash and rinse with warm water. Repeat this process a second time and make sure to gargle with the rinse before spitting.

Keeping your mouth clean while you wear your braces will help to ensure that your gums remain healthy. Therefore, use these tips to keep your gums from receding while you have braces installed.

For more information, contact a clinic like Persona  Dental.