- Author Bob Berman
- Published April 11, 2012
- Word count 675
The importance of hygiene during orthodontic treatment: As you eat, your teeth, brackets and wires collect food. If food is left on teeth overnight, thick plaque (bacterial colonies) forms on the teeth and the space between the teeth and the gums. Plaque causes bad breath, tooth decay and swollen gums (gingivitis).
It is discouraging to work hard to straighten teeth, merely to finish and come across decay or white spots on the teeth. Do not let it occur to you. The following is essential intended for your fitting attention of your teeth and gums:
Waterpik- We highly advocate the exercise of a Waterpik to loosen food in addition to plaque previous to flossing and brushing. The Waterpik should be used on the lesser water pressure settings so the gum tissue is not excessively aggravated. Be sure to know that just because you are using a Waterpik; it will not replace the effects of good brushing and flossing.
Soft Bristled Toothbrush – Exercise your toothbrush after each meal and prior to bedtime. A travel brush carried in a purse or placed in a locker is great for brushing after lunch. Examine your teeth for food and plaque and methodically clean all surfaces of the gums and brackets. Re-examine your teeth to make certain all observable food plus plaque have been removed. Go over this step as frequently as needed to ensure that no noticeable plaque or food leftovers. Extra care must be taken in the area between your gums and the braces. Concentrate on brushing your gums and the space between your gums and your teeth.
Recommendations for Brushing with Wireless braces
Exercise an orthodontic toothbrush that can prevent breakage of orthodontic appliances and is designed to battle tooth decay.
If possible, use an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head. The high speed sensations created by the electric toothbrush help break down down plaque.
Use a toothpaste containing aloe vera to help break down up the plaque and prevent gingivitis (inflamed and bleeding gums). Force the bristles of a toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to go into the spaces between the teeth and the gums.
Flossing
Some people think flossing is not as important as brushing, but it is just as important. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and in the spaces between the teeth and gums – cavity-prone areas your brush can’t reach. If plaque (bacterial colonies) are not disorganized daily by the brush and floss, your gums will become inflamed and bleed (gingivitis).
Failing to floss leaves 35 percent of your tooth surface uncleaned!
Recommendations for Flossing with Braces
Even though it is more difficult than without wireless braces, it is important to floss daily.
Apply a floss threader to help guide floss between wireless braces or under the archwire.
Rinse your teeth to wash away food or other particles that you have removed.
Couple of Tips and Tricks – Since you probably watch some Television, try sitting down in front of the TV every day with a toothbrush (without toothpaste), and massage the teeth and gums for about 30 minutes. That will give you plenty of time to do a good job, and makes TV time more productive.
Or try brushing while listening to music or studying. You may want to use toothpaste to freshen your breath, but don’t apply toothpaste during this 30 minutes. Avoid the “once over lightly” technique. To concentrate better, you may use your left hand if you are right handed, and vice versa.
The most important time to brush is just previous to going to bed. Take your time and do it right.
Regular Dental Checkups – Although you are having your braces checked regularly, it is very important to continue to see your family dentist at least every six months for a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth. If you experience difficulty with good oral hygiene, you might need to see your dentist more frequently.
We Offer:
We offer a variety of ways to straighten your teeth, with braces, retainers, and when possible, invisalign without braces.