During treatment, it is even more important to take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing after every meal and flossing once a day. Braces offer many more hiding places for food, resulting in an increased risk for plaque buildup or decay. You can avoid these risks by adopting a thorough cleaning routine during your orthodontic treatment, then continuing it after braces for a lifetime of good oral health.
Hygiene Tips During Orthodontic Treatment
To avoid gum disease and other issues during orthodontic treatment such as decay, here are some dental hygiene tips to follow:
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Maintain regular visits to your orthodontist.
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Set up regular dental appointments for cleanings and checkups.
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Brush teeth after each meal.
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Floss once a day by threading floss under the archwire and getting in between teeth into the gums.
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Utilize alternative cleaning tools such as water picks or air flossers.
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Use interdental picks as needed.
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Soak your retainer for a few minutes each day with a cleaning agent made especially for retainers.
Many orthodontic patients find water picks and air flossers extremely effective for removing lodged food particles. Water picks provide gum stimulation, as well. Tiny interdental pick scrubbing brushes are useful for extracting particularly stubborn food particles. If you wear a retainer, check with your orthodontist for his or her preferred cleaning agent for your particular retainer.
At Gardner Orthodontics, we will set up regular appointments to evaluate your teeth and braces and make any adjustments necessary. Although you will visit with your orthodontist on a regular basis, regular dental visits are very important, as well, for X-rays, cleanings and a dental exam.
Most people who have had orthodontic treatment consider it one of their favorite lifelong investments, cosmetically and health-wise. There simply is no substitute for the positive feeling bestowed by a beautiful smile — or for the reduced lifetime incidence of decay and plaque associated with correctly aligned teeth and conscientious oral hygiene practices.
For more information on orthodontics or to set up your complimentary consultation at Gardner Orthodontics, please contact us at (804) 767-6840 or request an appointment online.
