Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile During Orthodontic Treatment

Proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can be more difficult due to braces or other oral appliances, but it is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. If you neglect your oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you could be disappointed in the results when your braces are removed. The tips below can ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and strong when you’ve completed your treatment with Cavanagh Orthodontics.

Brush Frequently

Brushing your teeth becomes even more crucial when you have braces. The standard morning and evening routine is not sufficient, as food debris tends to get trapped in the brackets and wires. It’s recommended to brush after every meal and before bedtime. Use a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, ensuring to brush above and below the brackets at a 45-degree angle to dislodge any debris. Don’t overlook the areas behind your teeth and along the gumline, as these are prime spots for plaque buildup.

Floss Daily

Invest in a water flosser, floss threader, or interdental brush designed to floss around braces and floss daily. This helps prevent plaque buildup along the gum line and around your braces. Floss between the teeth and around the brackets, then rinse. Adding an antibacterial rinse to your oral hygiene routine after flossing minimizes harmful bacteria and helps wash away debris.

Watch What You Eat

If orthodontic treatment includes aligners, you can remove them and eat anything you like, provided you brush thoroughly before putting your aligner back in place. If you have conventional braces, there are foods you need to skip to ensure your braces aren’t damaged, incluido:

• Bagels (cut them into pieces)
• Corn on the cob
• Caramels
• Ice
• Taffy
• Whole raw carrots (cut them up)
• Hard candy
• Peanut brittle
• Whole apples (cut them into pieces)
• Popcorn
• Gum of any kind

Protect Your Braces

When participating in sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth from injury. A blow to the mouth can cause braces to cut your lips and cheeks or damage the brackets and wires. Cavanagh Orthodontics can create a custom mouthguard that fits comfortably and protects you and your braces.
 
If you have clear aligners, always remove them before sports and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums. Afterward, you can pop your aligner back in place.

Never Skip Dental or Orthodontic Appointments

When you have braces, regular visits to your dentist for checkups and dental cleanings are not just recommended, they are essential. Your dentist can identify early signs of gingivitis, cavities, and other issues and address them before they affect your orthodontic care. Twice-yearly visits are a minimum, but Dr. Cavanagh may recommend more often if needed.
 
Similarly, never skip your orthodontic appointments. Each appointment is a crucial part of your personalized treatment plan. Skipping appointments can slow down your progress or cause your brackets or wires to loosen.

Call Us If You Have Questions

Whether you have a loose wire, need advice on flossing, or have a question about your braces o aligners, we are always happy to help. Contact our office at Ortodoncia Cavanagh Número de teléfono 732-741-5300; we’ll have the information and support you need for a healthy smile.