If you have recently had braces placed onto your smile in order to correct it, your dental hygiene is even more important. This is because your teeth become more sensitive during this time and you will want to prevent discoloration, swollen gums, and even bad breath. Here are four dental tips to follow when wearing braces:

1. Brush the Sides of the Braces: Instead of placing your toothbrush flat against the front of your teeth, you should face them downward so that they are brushing the braces from the top and upward so they are brushing the braces from the bottom. This is going to remove a lot of bacteria that tends to get stuck in these areas, which prevents bad breath and ensures that your teeth are actually getting a thorough clean. Don't forget to also brush other areas, like your gums, tongue and the underside and back of your teeth, as well.
2. Brush After Every Meal: Brushing after every meal is a rule you probably didn't follow in the past. It's important to brush after every meal, especially when you have braces in order to remove food that is stuck in the brackets. This is going to prevent bad breath, as well. If you are unable to brush because you are out and about, you should rinse your mouth out with water when you have the opportunity. However, you should consider bringing a toothbrush along with you so you can quickly brush even when on the go.
3. Consider an Interproximal Toothbrush: An interproximal toothbrush is a brush that is cone shaped. This type of toothbrush allows you to reach into places around the braces that your normal toothbrush won't be able to get to. If you are going to be wearing the braces for a long period of time, it's highly suggested to invest in one of these. 
4. Keep Flossing: Flossing is something that may not seem worthwhile to do when wearing braces because you won't be able to reach up the whole tooth since the brace is in the way. However, you should still be flossing. You can reach as high as possible by going up through the back of each tooth. You should also consider using a flossing tool that will help you reach into the more difficult areas. 

When you follow these four dental tips, you can be sure that as soon as your braces come off, your smile will be radiant. Contact a business, such as Cazes Family Dentistry LLC, for more information.