Any dentist will tell you, it is even more important to brush your teeth when your mouth is loaded up with multiple metal structures. All of those bands, brackets and wires can add up to equal catastrophe if you do not take extra good care of them and the teeth they are aligning. Of course, dental care not only becomes more important when your smile is outfitted in orthodontic appliances; it becomes more difficult too. Read on for a better understanding of dental care and maintenance for your orthodontic appliances, as well as some tips on where to get your best set of braces.

Having metal or plastic brackets can hinder the natural chewing process, which actually helps keep your teeth cleaner by bathing and exercising the gums and is just another reason why dental care becomes a high priority for those who have them. As long as your bands and brackets fit snugly on your teeth, you should not have to worry about the portion of your teeth that these cover up. The wires and brackets that line the outside of your smile, however, are another story altogether.

If you let food particles and plaque build-up in your brackets, you are essentially creating a place for cavity-causing bacteria to do its bidding. Such a mess in your mouth can also lead to gum disease and the extra swelling this causes may make it even more difficult to clean your teeth properly. And lastly, not giving your teeth and brackets the extra cleaning they need may cause staining of the tooth enamel.

When you have brackets, you should ultimately brush your teeth within five minutes of consuming any sort of food, even if you are just snacking. This may not always be possible, but do it as often as it is especially after you have eaten a meal. The quicker you get rid of cavity-causing substances in your mouth, the safer your teeth become. It is a good idea to keep a toothbrush, floss and a floss threader handy at all times. Because of all the extra hardware in your mouth, you may have to relearn some of your tooth brushing techniques. Make sure to brush between wires and gums to dislodge any food particles that may be lurking here and your orthodontist may even supply you with a special toothbrush made for use with brackets. If not, he or she can at least recommend one.

Begin by positioning the toothbrush at a 45 degree, toward the gum line, and start with the outer portion of your upper teeth. Brush two or three teeth at once in a circular motion, giving each section at least ten strokes. After covering the lower outer teeth, begin to brush the inner side of your teeth in the same way. Brush the flats of your teeth and the chewing surfaces of your incisors next, beginning with the upper teeth and ending with the lower. By creating a ritual to follow every time you brush, you ensure that no tooth goes unclean. Rinse your mouth afterward and give your smile a quick glance-over in the mirror to make sure you have not left anything behind. Make sure to floss daily.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter visited a Murfreesboro dentist on his last trip to the south to study what new techniques are being used. He searched the term Murfreesboro braces to find a new orthodontist for his children.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: Murfreesboro dentist,Murfreesboro Braces