I need to majorly improve my dental health, help?!

I need to majorly improve my dental health, help?

I have two problems as I see it. The first is that I have some problems with insomnia so I can't sleep, meaning I just charge out the door and only have enough time to get dressed. No breakfast, no grooming. The second is that on top of that I have braces.

I'm going to start remembering to brush my teeth twice a day, but I have a few problems.

1) How do I get rid of the hard plaque below the line of my braces bracket and wire? Will brushing with baking soda and a little water help? Would that hurt my braces somehow?

2) My braces have opened up this space between my two back molars. It's really tender and food keeps getting stuck in there, and is stuck all day until I can get it out with my toothbrush. What can I do to keep that clean during the day? Gargle with salt water? I can't just chew on the other side and that wouldn't make much difference.

I'm only 15, but could a few months of bad hygiene really messed up my teeth?

2 months ago
My gums bleed when I brush my teeth, but I think that's normal when you haven't maintained them well.

I'm not an expert but it also seems like the gumline around my bottom teeth has gotten a little lower, and/or the teeth seem to be set a little further back. It hasn't been sore at all and it's possible I'm just being paranoid, but could that be anything?

I don't know if the orthodontist would know much about this, the people who adjust my braces --it's really simple stuff and they have a supervisor-- are mostly interns so I don't know if they'd know what to look for.

2 months ago
I'll bring it up at my next appointment but that's not for another month.

What can I do in the meantime?

I used to have braces too. Best is flossing once a day before brushign at night. Invest in a Waterpik, it is a lifesaver for ppl with braces. It squirts high power water to any area in the mouth. Use it after meals but don't use it to replace flossing. Your gums bleed because of gum infection (gingivitas) or you are brushing too hard. Your gums (bottom teeh) are receeding because you are probably brushing wayyy to hard. Switch to a electric toothbrush. It's more effective than manual and you don't have to brush as hard...let the brush do the work. Also, get a full checkup on the gums. Don't ignore them. Yes, bad hygiene can mess up your teeth at any age. You doc can remove the plaque with a good cleaning. Rinse your mouth after every meal if you cannot brush. But floss every day. Take care of them now so you won't be shocked when you take out your braces. Godo luck!