Oral Hygiene Habits that Could Damage Your Braces

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when wearing braces, but some common oral hygiene habits could actually damage your braces and possibly cause permanent issues. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common oral hygiene habits that can harm your braces and what you can do to prevent any damage.

Brushing Too Hard

One of the most common oral hygiene habits that can damage your braces is brushing your teeth too hard. Brushing with too much pressure can cause the bracket of your brace to come loose or break. To prevent this from happening, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions. Also, spend time brushing all the nooks and crannies of your mouth to ensure you are removing all of the plaque and bacteria.

Be careful when using a power toothbrush. Power toothbrushes are incredibly efficient at removing plaque and food particles, but they can be too powerful and might damage your brackets and wires. If you do choose to use a power toothbrush, use a low setting and be careful not to press too hard.

Improper Flossing

Another bad habit is not flossing properly. When you floss with braces, you have to be very careful to not damage the wires. Use dental threaders, which are plastic dental tools, or flossing tools designed specifically for braces to help guide the floss. Also, make sure to use an up-and-down motion rather than a sawing or aggressive motion to prevent damaging the wire.

Not Replacing Your Toothbrush

Many people are also guilty of not changing their toothbrushes as often as they should. It is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months, as the bristles start to wear down and become misshapen, preventing an effective clean. To ensure your braces do not suffer any damage, make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly.

To sum it up, some common oral hygiene habits can cause damage to your braces. Avoid brushing too hard, not flossing properly, not changing your toothbrush frequently, and using a power toothbrush too aggressively. Taking care of your braces will help keep them in the best shape possible and allow you to enjoy your new straight teeth.