Our orthodontists expert advice: Essential Home Care During Orthodontic Treatment
After your child completes orthodontic treatment and achieves a beautifully aligned smile, our expert orthodontists will prescribe a retainer. This essential orthodontic device serves to maintain the correct alignment of their teeth, preventing any unwanted shifts. Contact The Pediatric Dental Group of Milford, Franklin and Northborough to get more information.
Maintain a Healthy Smile with Braces: Essential Oral Hygiene Tips and Guidelines
Taking care of your oral hygiene is always important, and it becomes especially crucial when you have braces. Braces can make proper oral care a bit more challenging, but it's essential to ensure the health of your smile and prevent potential dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and demineralization. If these issues go untreated, they can lead to more significant oral health problems and even extend the duration of your orthodontic treatment.
To keep your smile in top shape while you're wearing braces, our pediatric dentist and team recommend following these guidelines:
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Brush your teeth at least three times a day, ideally after every meal. If you indulge in a sugary snack between meals, it's a good idea to brush again.
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Use an interproximal brush to clean around the brackets and wires. This tool can access areas that your regular toothbrush may struggle to reach due to the braces.
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Floss daily, and consider using a floss threader to help navigate the floss behind the wire of your braces.
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Rinse your teeth with water after each brushing session. Depending on your specific needs, we may also suggest a specialized mouth rinse.
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Pay close attention to the list of foods to avoid with braces to maintain your smile's health and protect your braces from damage.
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For more information on maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We're here to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
Why do I need to brush and floss while on braces treatment?
While it is true that your teeth are harder to see during your treatment, good oral hygiene is more important than ever. Not only will your teeth continue to accumulate plaque and tartar, but your dental work can also give these substances additional place to hide.
How do I care for my smile while on braces treatment?
Your home care routine will change during your orthodontic treatment, but you will get the hang of it in no time! We will provide you with a list of foods that you should avoid while you are wearing braces. These foods may damage your dental work or get stuck in your braces. You should brush your teeth a minimum of three times each day. You should brush after every meal, and it is a good idea to brush between snacks. You should still floss every day. This can be challenging, but a floss threader or interdental brush can make this easier. This brush can also assist you with cleaning around the brackets and wires. You should rinse your mouth after you brush and floss.
Do I still need to see my dentist?
Absolutely! In addition to your visits with our orthodontists, you should continue to schedule your regular cleanings and exams with your dentist and make an appointment if you develop a problem with your oral health.