Cleaning Braces On the Go: The Must-Haves
Cleaning braces is a bit more difficult than your regular teeth cleaning routine. Proper cleaning can be difficult to do, especially when you’re on the go. Patients with orthodontic appliances should really be cleaning their teeth multiple times a day. When you are prepared, it makes dental hygiene with braces much easier. The great news is that, with all the products available, there are many ways to ensure you are cleaning braces the right way even when you’re on the go. Let’s check them out!
Must-Haves for Cleaning Braces on the Go
When you take care of your teeth the right way, the rewards work far beyond your health. Oral hygiene rolls over into your mental health as well. Here are some great must-haves for cleaning your teeth on the go, when it is particularly hard to find the means to do so. Get on your way to better confidence with your beautiful, healthy, straight smile.
1. Keep Water Close
Water is definitely your friend when it comes to cleaning braces. For many reasons, including your physical health, you should keep water close by. Even if you don’t have a bottle of water in hand, you can find it anywhere. After you eat or drink, wash your mouth with water.
When you swish water around in your mouth after you eat, it will help clean braces of food particles or traces of sugar that adhere to the front of your teeth. Water is a great means of reducing the acids left behind in your mouth from food. When left to sit on your teeth, that aid can lead to tooth decay. While it isn’t as effective as brushing, a water rinse is an on-the-go method of keeping your mouth clean until you can get to a toothbrush.
2. Pack a Travel Brush
Even if you don’t have toothpaste with you, you can use a travel brush and some water to help with cleaning your braces after you eat. The bristles of the toothbrush will still remove food and plaque build-up on your teeth. Travel toothbrushes are discrete and small enough to fit into your bag. They can keep your teeth healthy and clean.
3. Interproximal Brushes
Interproximal brushes are great little tools that work well at cleaning braces. One of the leading causes of tooth decay with braces is when food particles get stuck around your brackets or in between your teeth. This small tool works really well to attack plaque and it’s easy to carry.
4. Floss
Whether you have braces or not, carrying floss can be a great way to keep your teeth clean between brushing. For some patients with braces, a floss threader is more effective. Single-use floss picks are also available and an easy-to-carry way to ensure your oral hygiene is on point! Plus, many brands carry mint-flavored floss which can help freshen your breath as well!
5. Travel Toothpaste
Travel toothpaste is a great resource for cleaning braces. The travel-size tubes are convenient and can be easily placed in your bag or even your pocket. Some people even keep them in the glove compartment of their cars. Since brushing your teeth after meals is the best way to ensure they are nice and clean, keeping a travel toothpaste around is a great way to stay on top of your oral hygiene.
6. Other Orthodontic Must-Haves
It’s nice to carry some additional orthodontic must-haves that help you out with your orthodontic treatment beyond cleaning braces. These include:
- Orthodontic wax to stop irritation.
- Pain relievers when you have your braces tightened. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be helpful.
Of course, you should make sure you follow a proper routine for cleaning braces on a daily basis. Brush and floss twice a day as you normally would. Talk to your orthodontist about any issues that arise during the course of your treatment. When you take some extra time to care for your teeth, it shows in the beautiful, straight smile you wear when your orthodontic treatment is finished.