If you just got braces, you may be adjusting to a few new things like what foods you should or shouldn’t eat, and, of course, how your new smile looks. One thing you may be wondering is how having braces affects your routine dental visits. Maybe before you went to the dentist once a year, twice a year, or not at all if you didn’t have any problems. Here’s what you need to know about how often you should get a teeth cleaning with braces.

Your Scheduled Cleanings

Whether or not you have braces, you should be coming in for dental cleanings at least twice a year, so every six months. Depending on how your oral health changes when you start wearing braces, it’s possible that your dentist might recommend that you come in more often, like every four months. People who have gum disease are also often recommended to come in for more frequent dental cleanings, so don’t worry that you’re the only one!

Brushing & Flossing with Braces

There’s no doubt about it that brushing and flossing feels a bit different if you have braces to navigate around. Your dentist and dental hygienist are great resources if you’re wondering how exactly you should keep your teeth as clean as possible. For example, they might give you a special tool called a floss threader that makes it easier to floss in between your teeth. They might also recommend that you invest in a water flosser, which is another convenient way to remove any food particles that might be stuck around your braces.

At Stroope Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing a suite of orthodontic services to help you achieve a smile that’s not only beautiful but healthy. If you have any other questions related to orthodontics and your oral health, don’t be shy to contact us. We also have two practice locations in Farmington and Springdale, which you’re welcome to visit.