Taking care of one’s teeth is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. Proper dental hygiene is especially critical during orthodontic treatment, as this can help to ensure that the patient achieves the best possible results from their treatment.
In this article, we will discuss five helpful tips for caring for one’s teeth during orthodontic treatment, including:
– Brushing and flossing twice a day
– Avoiding sugary and sticky foods
– Using a water flosser
– Cleaning around braces
– Visiting an orthodontist regularly
By following these simple steps, patients can properly maintain their oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners.
Brushing and flossing are essential for keeping plaque buildup at bay; however, many people may find it difficult to clean around braces with regular toothbrushes or floss. To address this issue, they should consider investing in a water flosser which can more effectively reach hard-to-reach places between brackets and wires.
Similarly, eating sugary or sticky foods should be avoided since these tend to lodge themselves into the nooks and crannies of braces which leads to increased build up of plaque on the teeth surfaces.
Lastly, staying up-to-date on appointments with an orthodontist is also necessary in order to ensure that any issues that may arise during treatment are addressed promptly.
Key Takeaways
– Establish good dental hygiene habits before starting orthodontic treatment.
– Regular orthodontic appointments are necessary for tracking progress and maintaining proper appliance alignment.
– Brush and floss twice a day using an electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste and floss.
– Use a water flosser and soft-bristled/interdental brushes and dental floss threaders with a hook to effectively clean around braces.
Brush and Floss Twice a Day
Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth during orthodontic treatment.
This practice should be done using an electric toothbrush to ensure that all areas of the mouth are thoroughly cleaned, including those that are difficult to reach with manual brushing.
When wearing braces or any other type of orthodontic device, it is also important to wear a mouthguard during brushing or flossing as this can help protect against potential damage caused by the use of sharp instruments.
Additionally, regular check-ups with an orthodontist will allow them to monitor your oral health and advise on any necessary changes in your dental care routine.
Avoid Sugary and Sticky Foods
Maintaining a healthy diet during orthodontic treatment is essential, as intake of sugary and sticky foods can damage the braces and delay progress. For instance, an individual who consumes large amounts of candy could experience plaque buildup around their brackets. To avoid cavities and tooth decay while wearing braces, it is important to limit the consumption of sugary snacks such as candy, cookies, ice cream, and soda. Additionally, chewy or sticky foods should be avoided; these include gum, caramel, taffy, licorice, and dried fruit.
When selecting oral hygiene products during orthodontic treatment it is important to choose wisely when selecting toothpaste. An effervescent toothpaste with fluoride is recommended as it helps protect against cavities even if food particles become trapped in the wires or brackets. Furthermore it is essential for patients to use floss threaders or interdental brushes to make sure all areas between teeth are reached and plaques removed from underneath the wires.
| Foods & Products | Effects | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugary snacks (candy) | Increased plaque buildup | ||
| Chewey/sticky foods (gum) | Damage braces & delay progress | ||
| Fluoridated toothpaste | Protect against cavities | Floss | Remove plaque from areas between teeth |
Use a Water Flosser
Using a water flosser can be an effective way to clean areas between teeth and wires of braces. Water flossers use a high-pressure stream of water to more effectively remove plaque and food particles compared with string flossing.
Some benefits of using a water flosser include:
* They require less time to use than traditional string flossing
* In addition to cleaning around the brackets and wires, they can also be used for cleaning under the gums
* Water flossers are proven to reduce bleeding from gums and inflammation in comparison with traditional string flossing
* Regularly using a water flosser is associated with an improved experience with braces
* It is recommended that those who have orthodontic treatment incorporate a water flosser into their dental hygiene routine
However, water flossers should not replace traditional oral hygiene practices, like brushing teeth twice daily and regular visits to the dentist. Adding a water flosser to one’s dental hygiene routine can help ensure that all areas around teeth are receiving proper care during orthodontic treatment.
Clean Around Your Braces
Providing proper care for teeth and braces is essential to ensure healthier teeth and gums. Cleaning around the braces is especially important, as food debris can become lodged in the spaces between them, leading to plaque buildup.
To prevent this buildup there are various cleaning tools available that help make tooth brushing easier and more effective. A soft-bristled brush or an interdental brush are two of the most common cleaning tools used to clean around braces.
Additionally, dental floss threaders with a hook on one end allow for flossing while wearing braces. These threaders help guide the floss under the archwire of the braces so it can reach all areas of your mouth.
Furthermore, good dental hygiene habits should be established even before getting orthodontic treatment begins in order to achieve optimal results from your treatment plan. This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste, regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle that limits sugary foods and beverages.
Visit your Orthodontist Regularly
Visiting your orthodontist regularly is like taking a car in for an oil change; it helps to ensure the longevity of your orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic appointments are necessary throughout the entire course of treatment, as they help track progress and maintain proper appliance alignment. During these appointments, your orthodontist will check for any issues that could arise with the appliance and make adjustments when needed. Additionally, during each appointment any loose or broken brackets will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Furthermore, having regular orthodontic appointments can help detect early signs of problems caused by poor oral hygiene or other factors that may affect the outcome of treatment. Regularly attending all scheduled appointments is essential to ensure that all parts of the appliance are functioning properly and that treatment progresses at a satisfactory pace.
Therefore, it is important to remember to keep up with regular maintenance visits in order to maximize the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment plan.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment is essential for a successful outcome.
Practicing the tips provided in this article, such as brushing and flossing twice daily, abstaining from sugary and sticky foods, using a water flosser to clean around braces, and visiting your orthodontist regularly will help ensure optimal dental health during treatment.
Furthermore, being mindful of potential risks associated with neglecting proper oral hygiene can motivate individuals to prioritize teeth care.
Taking the time to brush carefully each day, avoiding unhealthy snacks between meals, and scheduling regular check-ups will enable patients to enjoy healthy smiles for years to come.
