Choosing the Best Toothbrush for Your Braces

What to Look for in a Toothbrush When You Wear Braces

When a patient is wearing braces, there is an added level of diligence that is required in order to maintain good oral hygiene and health. One of the most important aspects of an oral hygiene routine while wearing braces is choosing a good toothbrush, since this is important for keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy while the braces are attached to the teeth. Here is what a patient should look for when choosing the best toothbrush to use while he or she is wearing braces.

Why a Toothbrush is Important

When wearing braces, whether they are metal or plastic, the wires and brackets can easily trap food, which increases a patient’s risk of building up the wrong kind of bacteria. A report from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) estimates that one in every five children between the ages of six and eleven experienced tooth decay on their “adult” teeth in the year 2013. Cavities are a major concern for all dental patients and more so for those who are wearing braces. Because of this, making sure patients with braces are vigilant with oral care and using the right tools is incredibly important.

Components of a Great “Braces Toothbrush”

Some of the components that make up the ideal toothbrush for patients with braces include:

Small brush head – Braces often feature areas that are hard to reach and subsequently hard to clean. Because of this, it is important to choose a toothbrush that will meet a patient’s specific needs. Choosing a toothbrush with a smaller brush head can make it easier to get into those difficult areas.

Designed to dislodge – Braces, specifically metal braces, are comprised of three main components: brackets, arch wire, and bonding. Brackets are bound to the teeth and interconnect with the arch wire to help move the teeth into the desired position. The composition of braces makes it very easy for food particles to become lodged between the brackets and the arch wire, so choosing a toothbrush that is designed to dislodge these types of particles from teeth can help keep them clean.

Soft bristles – Braces can be an uncomfortable process on their own, so it is important to make sure to choose a toothbrush that will not further irritate the mouth. Choosing a toothbrush with softer bristles can help to eliminate further irritation and discomfort while still maintaining proper oral hygiene.

If you have questions regarding braces or toothbrush choices, you can always consult your dentist and sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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