Good oral hygiene is essential, most especially if you have braces. Braces help align your teeth to achieve a beautiful smile. Food particles easily get stuck in between your teeth and your braces. Poor oral hygiene can result in tooth decay or gum disease. By the time these are removed, you won’t be dealing with tooth decay anymore. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy the new and dazzling look of your teeth.
Your orthodontic treatment will go smoothly and quickly if you prioritize best oral hygiene practices. Here are some tips and tricks to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing best braces:
1. Brush Your Teeth Every After Meal
Experienced dentists, like one from Howell Dental, highly recommend brushing at least twice a day, preferably after breakfast (2 minutes per session) and before bedtime.
No matter how busy you are, it’s always a good practice to brush your teeth every after a meal if you have an orthodontic appliance. By doing so, food particles and plaque are removed around your braces.
Here are some tips for you:
● Orthodontic tip toothbrush is preferred than a regular toothbrush to ensure that all parts of your teeth, orthodontic appliance, gums, and tongue are appropriately cleaned.
● Fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and decalcification
● Use an interdental brush (a small brush) before using a regular toothbrush to remove large food debris. You can use it to clean in between your teeth and around wires that a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
● Replacing your toothbrush (preferably with soft bristle and small head) will be more often if you have braces because the bristles wear down faster.
2. Floss Your Teeth
There are oral areas that your toothbrush cannot reach, so you need to floss your teeth every day, and even more, if you’re wearing braces — plaque results in reddish, swollen gums and bleeding.
You don’t want complete tooth loss just because of untreated plaque, so make sure to use a flossing threader since it works best when cleaning brace wires and always follow the right flossing techniques. Pair that with regular dental check-ups and you’re good to go; head over to Union Dental Worcester clinic if you need a recommendation.
3. Use Mouthwash
While a dental marketing company promotes dental services, dentists and orthodontists promote the regular use of mouthwash. Why is it important? You should use an antiseptic mouth rinse or antibacterial mouthwash after brushing to soothe irritation from wearing braces and to avoid plaque formation. Make it a habit of reducing biofilm and gum inflammation or gingivitis, as well as minor irritations that usually occur with braces.
4. Watch What You Eat
Whether you’re running a business, a student, or working in the office, it’s crucial to watch what you eat, most especially if you have braces.
Acids from the food you eat can cause tooth surface breakdown which leads to tooth decay. It’s important to be aware of the foods that are good and bad for your teeth to ensure a holistic approach when it comes to dental care.
Here are some tips:
● Use dental sealants if you need to consume high-acidic food to cover fissures in chewing surfaces.
● Avoid sticky food, like a rice cake, because remnants stick on the teeth longer which can lower the pH level in your mouth causing acidity.
● Avoid drinking alcohol because it leads to dryness of the mouth which results in decreased production of saliva. It predisposes your oral cavity to bacterial infections.
● Eat foods rich in fiber to help increase the flow of saliva. It also helps in removing food particles which are trapped in the teeth pits.
● Consume foods rich in phosphate and calcium such as cheese, milk and other dairy products which help in teeth remineralization.
● Chew sugar-free gums occasionally to irrigate areas beneath and around the teeth as well as stimulate saliva production.
5. Avoid Bad Habits
When you’re wearing braces, you need to avoid your bad habits, such as smoking. Nicotine and other chemicals from tobacco can weaken your gums, and your teeth won’t hold tightly as the gums supposed to do.
6. Avoid Procrastinating Dental Visits
Don’t postpone your dental appointment. Follow the schedule strictly to avoid major problems due to neglected or untreated tooth decay or gum disease. Choose a trusted and reputable family dentist who has a vast experience handling clients with braces.
Conclusion
By keeping the tips mentioned above, you can maintain excellent oral hygiene while wearing braces. These best practices are crucial and must be performed religiously to ensure the best results. You’ll avoid unwanted and unexpected adverse effects such as tooth decay, dental cavities, and gum disease. Achieve healthier and more beautiful teeth with proper oral hygiene.