Braces | Tips for keeping your healthy smile

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Good oral hygiene care is very important while wearing braces. Food will easily get trapped in all the nooks and crannies created by the braces, bands, and elastics. If you don't develop a good oral hygiene routine to remove all the trapped food particles, you may develop cavities, spots may form on your teeth, you may develop gingivitis (gum disease) and bad breath. If you develop cavities or gum disease during your othodontic treatment, your treatment may be delayed while your cavities and/or gums are being treated.

Tips for keeping your healthy smile while wearing braces:


Remove all elastics and appliances before brushing your teeth.

Brush and floss after each meal and snack.
If you use a regular toothbrush, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush gently in a circular motion for at least 10 seconds on each tooth. Some people choose to use an electric toothbrush. There is a wide variety of electric toothbrushes available that are very effective in removing food debris from the nooks and crannies as well as keeping your gums clean and healthy. Consult with your othodontist or dentist to determine which electric toothbrush or battery powered toothbrush is right for you.

Fluoride toothpaste
It is very important to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This article, Fluoride - Benefits to Teeth , explains how fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.

Use an oral irrigator
A good oral irrigator to use is a product called a Waterpik™. A Waterpik™ is effective in removing food from your braces that your toothbrush may have missed.

Floss
Flossing while wearing braces is very important. Flossing not only removes food from between your teeth, it also stimulates your gum tissues, which helps to keep them healthy. Another product you may try is a brush called a proxy brush. This flexible brush can easily slide under your wires and between your teeth.

Fluoride mouthrinse
After you have brushed and flossed your teeth, rinse with a fluoride mouthrinse. A fluoride mouthrinse will add an extra layer of protection in fighting tooth decay.

If you are involved in any sporting events, wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard is designed to protect your teeth, tissues, and your braces from any damage due to an accident or injury. Custom-made mouthguards are recommended because of their precise fit. Mouthguards that are sold in stores can often have too much leeway, "give", to them and this can lead to damage to your teeth, tissues, and the braces themselves should an injury occur.

Professional cleaning
Visit your dentist every 3 to 6 months for a professional cleaning.

Keep your orthodontic appointments
It is very important not to skip your regulary scheduled visits with your othodontist. If you skip appointments and/or fail to reschedule, problems may develop with your teeth and gums and possibly delay treatment and/or increase the expense of your treatment.