We all aspire to possess sparkly, symmetrical, and aligned teeth. But, not everyone is naturally blessed with perfect pearly whites. It is noteworthy to mention that technology has been a moon when it comes to dental intervention. Nowadays, anyone can attain their ideal set of teeth within concise time frames. Using braces is the most typical method of correcting teeth malformation and misalignment. But, managing and taking proper care of braces may be tricky, and we have to be careful of our daily oral hygiene habits. Toothpaste is a fundamental part of our daily dental regimen and plays a crucial role in our overall oral health. But, braces can make things a little complicated. Let us find out which toothpaste works best with braces and why.

The perfect braces-toothpaste combination

The fact is that there is no Holy Grail toothpaste that we can use while wearing braces. Unless prescribed by an orthodontist, we can look for a toothpaste tube that ticks off the usual boxes. Toothpaste containing an optimal concentration of fluoride should be your first choice. It is an ingredient that protects our precious enamel and fights cavities. Fluoride reduces the probability of tooth decay around areas where the braces are in contact with the teeth. The lack of fluoride from our dental care may increase the vulnerability to caries.

White teeth are very desirable, and we may lean towards whitening toothpaste to achieve them. But, the general consensus is not to use them when using braces. The gritty content of whitening toothpaste, like charcoal-based toothpaste, comes in contact with only specific parts of the teeth that are not veiled by braces. The consequent result may be uneven tooth color, with the color being whiter in areas where the braces are not attached and vice-versa. Furthermore, charcoal-activated toothpaste and charcoal powder can be messy, and it may require some effort to remove all the traces of the black toothpaste or powder from the teeth and braces. Thus, a better solution is to wait till the braces are removed and then use whitening toothpaste.

Braces may cause some irritation and discomfort in the mouth. Thus, using moisturizing toothpaste becomes essential. Lastly, it is imperative to opt for a toothpaste tube or brand recommended by dentists or authorized dental associations.

Dental care with braces

While wearing braces, it is vital to take extra care of our teeth and mouth. The added effort is necessary because the surface area for plaque and tartar formation dramatically increases when using braces. The increase is because food may be trapped in between the nooks and crannies of the dentures.

We must brush our teeth post every meal – it is the best way to take care of the braces-clad teeth. Furthermore, meticulous strokes to reach every corner of the braces become crucial are significant. We can also utilize a gentle mouthwash along with dental flossing to help remove food particles and tartar. Furthermore, avoiding too many sugary foods like candies and teeth staining agents like coffee, tea, wine, etc., is also essential to prevent cavities and discoloration.

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