Let’s talk about oral hygiene tips for braces wearers: October is National Orthodontic Health Month, you’re probably wondering, what is that? Well to answer your question, Orthodontic Health Month is a time where Dentist and Orthodontist work hand-in-hand in order to spread the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and dental care for all, to all. Essentially, it is a time dedicated to promoting good oral health practices and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy smile! For those with braces, this month is even more important as you have to take extra care of your teeth while in Orthodontic Treatment!
The Importance of Dental Hygiene with Braces
Did you know if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene while in orthodontic treatment, you can have permanent damage to your teeth? However, it is very easy to prevent. It’s true, wearing braces can make maintaining a good dental hygiene routine more challenging, but it does not have to be a challenge!Braces create small spaces where food particles and plaque can easily get trapped, leading to cavities, gum disease, and staining and many more issues that can affect you in the long run. You can prevent these issues by establishing an oral hygiene routine that works best with your lifestyle to ensure your teeth/gums not only remain healthy while in treatment, but will benefit you for life!(for those not in Orthodontic treatment, it is just as crucial to have a good oral hygiene routine!)
Brushing Techniques for Braces
When you have braces, brushing your teeth requires a little extra effort. Here are some tips to make sure you’re brushing effectively:
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: It is important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your braces,to reach around the brackets wires effectively, and to avoid damaging your gums.
- Use an Electric Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes are very effective for those in Orthodontic treatment (and those not in treatment!) The electric toothbrush rotates to ensure it is getting all around the wires, brackets, tooth itself and your gums!
- Brush After Every Meal: Orthodontists recommend brushing your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that can get stuck in your braces. It is recommended you keep a soft-bristled travel toothbrush with you in.
- Angle Your Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush above and below the brackets; this ensures there is no plaque buildup accumulating or food that could lead to bacteria. Don’t Forget the Gum Line: Brushing your gums is just as important as brushing your teeth/tongue! You have to gently brush along the gum line where plaque can accumulate to ensure a healthy mouth.
The Role of Flossing
We’ve all been there, flossing can be very tricky with braces, but it’s vital for removing food/plaque and preventing gum disease. Here’s how you can make flossing easier:
- Use a Floss Threader: A floss threader helps you guide the floss under the wires of your braces.
- Consider Interdental Brushes: Also called “Proxabrushes”, these small brushes can be used to clean between the teeth and around brackets. (These are perfect for on-the-go!)
- Water Flossers: Water flossers can be an effective alternative to traditional flossing and are excellent for removing food particles from hard-to-reach areas.
The Benefits of Mouthwash
Did you know incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine can help reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities?Mouthwash can reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss, providing additional protection to further maintain good oral hygiene!
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to not only orthodontist, but your general dentist are crucial when you have braces. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments, while your dentist can perform professional cleanings and check for any signs of cavities or gum disease. Your orthodontist and general dentist will work together to ensure at all times, good oral health is being maintained (don’t worry, we got your back!)
Dietary Considerations
Did you know your diet plays a significant role in maintaining good dental hygiene with braces? Here are some tips on what to eat and what to avoid while in orthodontic treatment:
- Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Foods like caramel, chewing gum, hard candies and crunchy chips can damage your braces and get stuck in the brackets making it very difficult to brush and/or remove without damaging your braces and/or gums
- Opt for Soft, Nutritious Foods: Until you are familiar with what you can/cannot eat, we recommend to choose softer fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that are less likely to cause problems (yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, etc.)
- Limit Sugary Drinks and Snacks: Sugary foods and beverages can increase the risk of cavities, so limit your intake and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them or even better, brush your teeth after!
Remember These Tips for Braces Wearers
With Holiday fun slowly approaching us, October is the perfect time to reinforce the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene, especially for those with braces. Following these tips and establishing (and maintaining!) A good oral care routine ensures that your teeth will stay healthy and strong throughout your orthodontic treatment, and will benefit you even after your treatment is completed! Celebrate National Orthodontic Health month by taking extra care of your smile, and you’ll be rewarded with excellent oral health and a beautiful, confident grin! Remember, establishing a good dental hygiene routine is the foundation of a great smile. Make this October a month of dedication to your oral health, and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!
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