When you wear braces, it is more important than ever to keep your teeth and gums their healthiest. Getting braces requires adopting a new oral hygiene routine and good habits that promote the healthiest environment for your teeth and gums. You must be diligent in cleaning your teeth to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and decay. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you’ll experience better results and reduced treatment time. Maddux Orthodontics always recommends that you see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings during orthodontic treatment. Follow these tips to help maintain clean braces and teeth.
- Take it one tooth at a time. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth twice a day. Make sure to pay close attention to the front side (bracket side) of your teeth, the back of your teeth as well as the chewing surfaces.
- Remember your angles. It is important for gum health to brush the top teeth with your brush angled down and the bottom teeth with your brush angled up. This will keep loosen food particles from your teeth and gums and optimize your oral health.
- Always be prepared. To make sure you are taking the best care of your teeth with braces, it is imperative to take a toothbrush and toothpaste with you wherever you go. Having your toothbrush with you will allow you to remove sticky food particles after eating in a timely manner which helps avoid plaque build up.
- Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash at least once a day.
- Floss, floss and floss. Floss your teeth once a day. This is one of the most important cleaning exercises you can do to help prevent gum disease. Flossing will help prevent plaque from building in between your teeth thus reducing your risk of decay. Flossing also helps reduce bad breath.
- See your dentist twice a year. It is your job to clean your teeth everyday. However, you will still need to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.
Following these tips for maintaining clean braces and teeth will expedite the time it takes to achieve your lifelong smile. Dr. Maddux provides individualized, caring service because he knows that every person and every smile is unique. To find out if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, request a complimentary consultation today.