If you have dental braces then you know it’s a constant battle to control bacteria and keep down breath odor (halitosis). Not to mention the fact that many find them unsightly and often embarrassing. Teens hate braces.

Unfortunately sometimes they are a necessity. Teeth that are not aligned properly can get worse and drift cause bite and problems eating.

Braces on your teeth will require extra work to keep down bacteria because food particles can become trapped in the brackets and wires. The longer the particles remain chances increase that not only will your breath smell bad but dental disease can occur. Brushing and flossing is no easy task either. Many find that it is almost impossible to remove trapped food with a regular toothbrush.

The Proxy Brush (Christmas tree brush) was specifically designed clean teeth in between dental braces, under the wire and removes stubborn food particles. Xmas tree brushes can be found over the counter or at drug stores.

How To Relieve Pain From Dental Braces

Braces can cut and cause bleeding on the inside of your mouth cheeks, lip and tongue. This can be a problem if teeth and braces are not cleaned properly because bacteria can cause infection.

Dental wax can be used to serve as a buffer between brace metal and soft tissue of the mouth and to prevent lesions. Always remove wax before eating or cleaning teeth.

Flossing with braces requires a little more creativity but it can be done and is a part of good oral hygiene.

Floss threaders make the job a little easier. The idea is similar to a needle threader and helps guide the floss through teeth crevices and under the gum.

Remember to use mouthwash or rinse as an added line of defense. It can kill bacteria and reach into areas you may have missed during brushing and flossing.

Periodically braces will need to be adjusted (tightened) to make sure teeth continue to align properly.