At our orthodontic practice, Dr. Paul E. Miller and our team are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy smile with beautifully aligned teeth. You, your orthodontist, your family dentist, and your hygienist form a team with a common goal. While we focus on straightening your teeth, your dentist assists in keeping them clean and periodically checking for any issues.
However, it’s crucial that you take responsibility for your daily oral care during treatment to maintain clean, healthy, and white teeth. Following our instructions closely is key to achieving this.
Proper Oral Care with Braces
Proper dental care, with braces, requires a little extra time and effort, but the investment pays off in the long run. By taking good care of your teeth now, you’ll maximize the benefits of your orthodontic treatment.
Understanding Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film made up of bacteria, food, and saliva that adheres to your teeth. If plaque and trapped food particles are not removed from around your braces, they can lead to swollen gums, bad breath, cavities, and permanent marks on your teeth. Plaque buildup can also cause teeth discoloration.
To prevent these issues, it’s essential to brush frequently and floss daily. Regular visits to your family dentist are also important for check-ups and professional cleanings.
When to Clean
- Brush thoroughly at least four times a day: After every meal and before bedtime.
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals: This helps clear braces of large food particles until you can brush. Consider using a travel toothbrush for convenience at school or work.
- Brush and floss thoroughly once daily: Take your time to ensure your teeth and braces are spotlessly clean, preferably before bedtime, for a thorough cleaning session.
Effective Brushing Techniques
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush promptly when it shows signs of wear.
- Follow the brushing technique demonstrated by your orthodontist: Brush all parts of your braces and every tooth surface, including the backs and your tongue, for fresher breath and better plaque removal. Brush your gums gently and thoroughly.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing: Swish water around your mouth and teeth to remove any remaining debris.
- Carefully inspect your teeth and braces: Use a well-lit mirror to ensure they are completely clean.
We may recommend a “disclosing rinse” to highlight any areas you may have missed while brushing. It may take several brushings and rinsing to effectively remove all plaque, but this diligence is crucial for long-term oral health. Remember, your teeth are yours for life, and maintaining them well is worth the effort for a healthy, beautiful smile.
How to Floss
Flossing is essential during orthodontic treatment. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Use a floss threader: This reusable tool helps you get dental floss under your archwire easily.
- Cut about 18 inches of floss: Loop it through your threader, run the threader under your archwire between two brackets, and gently pull the threader off.
- Loop the floss around your index fingers: Form a “C” shape and gently floss between your teeth. Make sure to clean along your gumline on both sides. When finished, pull the floss through, re-thread, and repeat for the next pair of teeth.
By following these guidelines, you’ll keep your teeth and braces clean, contributing to a successful orthodontic treatment and a beautiful, healthy smile.
