Your oral health is important – and the best way to care for it is with good dental hygiene at home.
Oral hygiene is even more of a priority when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. You could say it’s the secret ingredient for a successful orthodontic experience.
Today, you’ll learn why your Carson orthodontist prioritizes dental hygiene and views it as essential in achieving a stunning smile.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Affect Dental Hygiene?
Orthodontic appliances can make brushing and flossing more challenging than usual. This is particularly true if you have metal or porcelain braces.
Braces consist of brackets, an archwire, and bands that fit around the brackets to hold the archwire in place. To floss, you must first thread the floss between your teeth and the archwire. And you’ll need to do this for every tooth.
Brushing isn’t always easy, either. You’ll need to learn a new way of brushing, which includes angling your toothbrush around the brackets. If you don’t do this, plaque will build up around the brackets, causing enamel decalcification. Additionally, plaque will build up around the gum line, that can result in:
- Puffy, red gums
- Gingival bleeding
- Gum soreness
What Happens if Dental Hygiene is Neglected During Orthodontic Treatment?
While brushing and flossing aren’t as easy as before – and will take more time and patience – it’s vital that you don’t give up on your daily routine.
Failing to brush and floss regularly is like throwing away your investment.
By the time your orthodontic treatment in Carson is complete, you’ll have invested a lot of time and money into your smile. Consistent dental home care is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly or thoroughly while undergoing treatment, you can end up with:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Chronic bad breath
- Delayed treatment
- Treatment complications
- Enamel decalcification (causing white spots on the enamel)
- Gum and tooth infections
- Tooth loss
What About Invisalign® Patients?
There’s no doubt about it – dental home care is much easier with Invisalign®. Simply remove your aligners and brush and floss.
However, there are some things to be wary of regarding Invisalign® and oral hygiene.
Some patients don’t remove their aligners before drinking beverages. This is just asking for trouble, especially if you drink sugary or acidic beverages.
Drinking anything but water with your aligners is not recommended because some of the liquid can get caught in the aligners. Then, your teeth are basically bathing in sugar and acid, which can lead to decay.
Another concern is not brushing before going to bed. We get it – it’s been a long day, and you just want to sleep.
But think about this. If you eat dinner, then go to bed without brushing and flossing, food particles remain on your teeth all night. The aligners keep the particles in place, so even saliva can’t remove them. The oral bacteria feed on these foods and release acids that break down the enamel.
If you don’t want cavities, make sure to brush and floss before bed.
What are the Long-Term Benefits of Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene During Treatment?
Good oral hygiene reduces your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and infections while undergoing treatment.
Long-term, you’ll have strong, healthy, beautiful teeth. You’ll be able to chew healthy, crunchy foods with ease, allowing you to maintaingood overall health. Plus, the healthier your teeth are and the fewer restorations you have (fillings, crowns, etc.), the more likely it is that you’ll retain your beautiful smile for a lifetime.
How Can Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques Be Maintained with Orthodontics?
Brushing and flossing aren’t going to be as easy as they were before orthodontic treatment. But that doesn’t mean practicing good home care is impossible. All you need is some education, the right tools, and a little patience.
Don’t worry – your Carson orthodontist isn’t going to make you figure it out on your own. We’ll discuss and demonstrate the best oral hygiene techniques during your appointments. We’ll do this throughout your orthodontic journey, especially if we notice some oral health issues like:
- Plaque build-up
- Signs of early decalcification
- Inflamed gums
Here are some tips that we’ll review with you.
- Brushing: Brushing: Brush at least twice a day. If you can, brush after every meal and snack to reduce the risk of food particle entrapment. Brush for two minutes every time you brush. Tilt the toothbrush head at a 45-degree angle to clean thoroughly around the gum line and the brackets. Keep a travel toothbrush in your purse, car, or locker. Invest in an orthodontic-specific toothbrush.
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Flosssing: Use floss threaders and practice, practice, practice. You will get the hang of it if you don’t give up. Floss at least once a day, preferably at night. Use the c-shaped flossing technique to ensure you clean under the gum line.
How Often Should Dental Check-Ups Be Scheduled During Orthodontic Treatment?
You’ll see your Carson orthodontist approximately every six weeks, though the frequency depends on your unique needs.
When it comes to dental hygiene, though, you’ll need to visit your general dentist at least every six months. During these appointments, you’ll receive a professional cleaning, which will help remove plaque and tartar you can’t get on your own. These cleanings are essential to your oral health and the results of your orthodontic treatment.
If you have a history of gum disease, your dentist will likely prescribe a periodontal maintenance program. This program includes cleanings every three to four months instead of every six months.
Dental Hygiene: The Foundation of Orthodontic Success
When you prioritize oral health, you set yourself up for optimal results.
Consistent brushing, flossing, and following your Carson orthodontist’s instructions will help prevent complications. It can even prevent treatment delays.
Remember, you need to start with a good foundation to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Embrace the power of dental hygiene, commit to daily home care practices, and you’ll have a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
Let us help you master your oral hygiene routine. Contact Orthodontics of Carson at 424-391-8941 today. We’ll schedule an appointment so you can learn effective techniques for maintaining optimal dental hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
