Good oral hygiene with braces is essential, as wearing orthodontic appliances can increase the risk of cavities, tooth discoloration, and gum disease. Dentists typically recommend cleaning your teeth after every meal when you wear braces. But how do you clean your braces after eating at school? Please read our article to discover which hygiene tools are most advantageous to have on the go.
How to Clean Braces After Eating at School
Cleaning your teeth and braces at school can seem like a daunting, inconvenient task. To make it easier, we recommend assembling a special cleaning kit you will have in your school bag all the time. Below is a list of items such a kit can consist of:
Collapsible Toothbrush
A collapsible toothbrush is not only compact, but it also usually has a case that keeps the bristles clean. We strongly recommend keeping your toothbrush in the case at all times so that bacteria and dust do not get to it. However, do not forget to rinse the case and the brush when you get home, and make sure they are completely dry before you put your brush back in its case.
Mini Toothpaste with Fluoride
There is a variety of travel-size toothpaste available at any drugstore. However, we recommend choosing a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This is an excellent ingredient for the health of your teeth and gums, as it remineralizes the enamel and helps fight off bacteria in the mouth. Less bacteria in the mouth means reduced risk of cavities and gum disease and fresher breath.
Mini Floss Dispenser
Flossing is another essential part of a sufficient oral hygiene routine. Also, it can help you remove the food that gets stuck between the wires of your braces and the teeth. Look for a travel-sized floss dispenser that will not take up a lot of space in your oral care kit. We do not recommend opting for floss picks as they will not be adequate for flossing with braces.
Floss Threader or Flossing Needle
Using traditional floss thread with braces can be very challenging and ineffective. Such tools as floss threaders and flossing needles will help make the process faster and much more convenient, especially when you do not have a lot of time at school.
Interdental Brush
An interdental brush is another tool that can make cleaning under the wires and between the teeth faster and easier. It is a small and slim brush that will not take up much space in your purse. As in the case of a traditional toothbrush, your interdental brush should be kept in a case and cleaned and air-dried daily.
Dental Wax
Sometimes, braces can rub the soft tissue in your mouth and cause irritation and sores, which can become especially inflamed after eating. Keep dental wax in your kit and apply it after cleaning your teeth to protect the sores and alleviate the discomfort.
Rubber Bands and Rubber Band Hooks
Some people who wear braces are also supposed to use rubber bands. If this is the case for you, we recommend packing them along a rubber band hook into your oral hygiene care kit. Make sure to keep them clean and separate from the other things in your purse.
Mini Listerine Spray
If you want to freshen up your breath, we recommend choosing Listerine spray instead of mints that contain sugar. Even though such mints can give you the sensation of a fresher mouth right after you use them, in the long run, they will hurt your teeth. Bad breath is usually a result of bacteria in the mouth, and sugar makes bacteria proliferate. On top of that, bacteria can destroy the enamel of your teeth and cause cavities and gum disease.
Lip Balm
Many people who wear braces complain about their lips getting dry often. Keep a simple lip balm in your kit to help you alleviate dry lip discomfort. Make sure that the balm does not contain skin-drying ingredients, as they can make the issue even worse in the long run.
Make an Appointment at iSmiles Long Beach
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at iSmiles LB to get effective orthodontic care. We offer a variety of orthodontic methods to ensure that your treatment delivers the results you want. We also offer professional dental cleanings and fluoride treatments that will help you preserve your oral health while wearing braces. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.
