Tips to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s more important than ever to take good care of your teeth and gums. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can make it harder to brush and floss effectively, which can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. In this post, we’ll share some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

Brush after every meal.

Food particles and plaque can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires of your braces, so it’s important to brush after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush for at least two minutes. Be sure to brush both the front and back of your teeth, as well as your braces and wires.

Floss daily.

Flossing can be challenging when you have braces, but it’s still important to do. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss between your teeth and braces, and carefully slide it up and down each side of each tooth. Be gentle to avoid damaging your braces or wires.

Use an interdental brush.

An interdental brush is a small, tapered brush that can help you clean hard-to-reach areas around your braces. Use it to gently clean between your brackets and wires, and to remove any food particles or plaque that may be stuck.

Avoid certain foods.

Some foods are more likely to get stuck in your braces or damage your appliances. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like gum, caramel, and hard candy, as well as crunchy foods like popcorn and nuts. Instead, opt for softer foods that are easier to chew and won’t get stuck in your braces. For Invisalign patients, you don’t need to avoid any foods at all — just remove your clear aligners before you eat. Remember to brush or rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in and wear them for the full 22 hours as recommended.

Remember to attend regular dental checkups.

Regular dental checkups are important for everyone, but they’re especially crucial when you have braces. Your dentist or orthodontist can check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues, and can help you make any necessary adjustments to your oral hygiene routine.

By following these tips and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help ensure that your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible results. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine during orthodontic treatment, be sure to talk to your dentist or orthodontist at Summit Dental Partners!