Keeping your teeth clean when you have spacers involves careful daily brushing and flossing to remove food particles and plaque without dislodging the spacers themselves.
When you have spacers between your teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is still essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The key is to clean thoroughly while being gentle around the spacers.
Brushing with Spacers
You should brush daily and thoroughly as you normally would. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. While brushing, pay attention to the areas around the spacers. Brush gently around them to clean the tooth surface without pulling or snagging the brush on the spacer. Ensure you clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the chewing surfaces, the front and back, and along the gumline.
Flossing with Spacers
Flossing is crucial, but it requires extra care when spacers are present. You must floss daily and thoroughly, but be careful, you don't want to dislodge your newly placed spacers. Taking care while flossing especially can help to maintain the positioning of your spacers until it's time to remove them. This careful flossing technique still helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by removing debris and plaque that brushing might miss between teeth.
When flossing, avoid snapping the floss down forcefully between teeth. Instead, try to gently thread it through, being mindful of the spacer. Some people find using a floss threader or orthodontic floss helpful, as it allows you to guide the floss carefully around the spacer.
Key Tips for Cleaning Around Spacers
- Consistency is Key: Brush and floss every day.
- Be Thorough: Ensure you reach all areas of your mouth.
- Gentle is Best: Brush and especially floss with caution around the spacers.
- Maintain Position: Careful flossing helps keep spacers in place until your next appointment.
- Protect Your Health: Regular cleaning prevents common issues like cavities and gum problems, contributing to overall oral health.
By following these steps and being mindful of your spacers, you can effectively clean your teeth and keep your mouth healthy during this stage of your orthodontic treatment.
Cleaning Teeth with Spacers: Quick Guide
| Action | Frequency | How to Do It | Benefit | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brush | Daily, Thoroughly | Use soft brush, clean all surfaces, be gentle around spacers. | Removes plaque & food debris. | Avoid snagging on spacers. |
| Floss | Daily, Thoroughly | Thread carefully around spacers, avoid snapping. Use threader if helpful. | Cleans between teeth, prevents decay/gum disease. | Do not dislodge spacers. Be extra careful. |
Maintaining diligent and careful cleaning habits ensures your teeth stay healthy and your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly.
