Braces are great! Practicing good oral hygiene while you have braces? That can get a bit complicated. But the right tools can help to make your job easier. Not all toothbrushes are created equal, especially when it comes to maintaining braces! Let’s talk about choosing a toothbrush when you have braces.
Manual or Electric?
The first thing to decide: Should you stick with a manual toothbrush or invest in an electric toothbrush? Either can work well to keep your teeth clean, if you are careful to keep good brushing habits. If you want a bit of help with keeping good habits, electric toothbrushes have added features that can be useful.
Some new electric toothbrushes have the capability to connect with apps on your phone that are designed to help you brush better. The apps can provide real-time tracking, prompts and advice to encourage you to brush your teeth on schedule, and help you ensure that no area of your teeth or braces becomes neglected.
Your Orthodontist Can Help
Choosing a toothbrush when you have braces can feel a bit overwhelming because there are so many options to choose from, so it can help to talk to your orthodontist. Your orthodontist has lots of experience seeing the results of the different toothbrushes on different patients’ teeth and will be happy to share what they know to help you decide.
What Really Matters
Ultimately, what really matters when choosing a toothbrush is that you choose the toothbrush you’ll use. If you travel a lot and a toothbrush is too bulky to travel with, opt for the smaller one that you’ll be sure to keep with you. If a toothbrush is boring or uncomfortable in your hand, search for one with special features that you’ll look forward to using.
If you’re still having trouble deciding, don’t hesitate to call your orthodontist with any questions you may have. Choosing a toothbrush when you have braces isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. Your orthodontist will be happy to help you find the toothbrush that is just the right fit for your needs.
Call our Pleasanton, San Antonio, TX, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
