Orthodontic treatment can help you align your teeth and achieve a perfect smile. However, it usually involves wearing braces for several months.
Although they are bonded to the teeth, there are certain things you might want to avoid as they can damage or lose the brackets. As a result, people often have doubts about what is good or bad for their braces.
Have you asked yourself if you can use mouthwash with braces? Fortunately, mouthwash is entirely harmless to the braces, and dentists even encourage their orthodontic patients to use it.
In this article, we'll talk about the benefits of using mouthwash with braces.
When should I use mouthwash while having braces?
Dentists recommend using mouthwash with braces as part of your regular oral hygiene routine.
Rinsing with mouthwash can help remove any food residue that could have been leftover between the braces and the teeth. Moreover, this prevents bad breath, also known as halitosis, as there is no food left in the mouth that could decompose and produce odor.
Lastly and more importantly, medicated mouthwashes not only freshen up your breath but also give protection against diseases. These mouthwashes possess antibacterial properties that help control harmful bacteria populations. Therefore, they are a great way to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Should I use mouthwash after brushing with braces?
The ideal order recommended by most dentists is flossing first, then brushing, and finishing with a mouthwash.
Luckily, rinsing with mouthwash after brushing ensures that the elements in the formula remain in the mouth as long as possible. This way, the beneficial effects of mouthwash can be successfully achieved. However, it is vital not to rinse with water after using your mouthwash because it will wash the product away.
Additionally, an excellent way to improve the result that mouthwash can provide is by using a smart toothbrush and a water flosser beforehand.
Electric toothbrushes, such as the Oclean Flow Sonic Electric Toothbrush, can provide a deeper cleaning around the braces. On the other hand, a water flosser, such as the Oclean W1, can perfectly remove plaque and food in hard-to-reach areas.
Combining both devices can leave the teeth and braces surfaces completely clean and debris-free, allowing mouthwash to reach every surface of the teeth while enhancing the results.
What mouthwash is best for people with braces?
Any medicated mouthwash is great for people with braces. Therefore, the best choice depends on the person's preferences and goals.
People with braces suffering from gum disease might benefit more from a mouthwash oriented to treat the condition. On the contrary, people prone to developing cavities could opt for a mouthwash oriented toward cavities prevention.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes are often recommended as alcohol can dry the mouth and cause an unpleasant stingy sensation.
Regardless of the option chosen, the most important thing is that it contains fluoride. This element is responsible for protecting the teeth and strengthening the enamel.
Using a mouthwash with braces is the best way to maintain good oral health. Furthermore, you can rinse with it after using an Oclean water flosser and an electric toothbrush to achieve the best results possible.
*Cover image from freepik@ArtPhoto_studio, we will delete it if constitutes infringement *
Related Readings:
Can You Bring an Electric Toothbrush on a Plane
How Many Calories Are in Toothpaste
What Happens if You Swallow Toothpaste
Are Charcoal Toothbrushes Safe
