Maintaining good oral health is the best way to avoid cavities and tooth decay. Whether you have just received orthodontic treatment or need to brush your teeth a bit more, here are ten tips that can help.
Table of Contents
Brushing
If you’re going through orthodontic treatment at Bloom Orthodontics, it’s essential to maintain a healthy mouth. This can help you avoid dental problems and keep your smile looking great.
Braces can make your teeth vulnerable to decay, so you’ll want to brush and floss them daily. Flossing is imperative during orthodontic treatment. Brushing will eliminate plaque and food debris that can accumulate between teeth. You can also use a proxy brush to remove food from brackets.
After brushing your teeth, you’ll want to rinse your mouth with warm water. Rinsing your mouth can help loosen particles of food that get stuck in your braces. Using a high-pressure jet of water can also help clean your mouth.
It’s a good idea to brush your tongue regularly, too. Your tongue can harbor half of the bacteria in your mouth. The language also helps to keep your breath fresh.
You’ll want to use an orthodontic toothbrush to clean your gums and teeth. Look for one with soft bristles. Alternatively, you can opt for an electric brush. Make sure to set the meeting to a moderate setting.
Flossing
Flossing is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy smile. It removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth. Brushing alone can’t get to the areas between your teeth. The bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gum disease can contribute to several dental problems.
Plaque biofilm contains bacteria that use leftover food for energy. Over time, this biofilm erodes the tooth enamel. When exposed to saliva, it can lead to gum disease and various health problems.
Flossing removes the plaque that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Mounts increase your risk of food getting stuck between your teeth. By brushing and flossing, you can prevent this from happening. Flossing is even more critical if you have braces or an orthodontic appliance.
Flossing should be done at least once a day. Although you may feel like you can’t afford to floss, it is a small price to pay for your dental health.
Avoiding Sugary Drinks
Avoiding sugary drinks is a great way to help maintain healthy teeth before and after orthodontic treatment. Besides the sugary taste, the acidic content in sodas can erode the enamel on your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
The acids in soft drinks attack the dentin, weakening it and causing permanent damage.
Drinking sugary sodas and sports drinks can also stain your teeth. It’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after drinking sodas. You can also use a straw to reduce the impact on your teeth.
Foods and drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup are especially harmful. They produce a sticky film on your mouth that bacteria feed on. As a result, your teeth become brittle and prone to dental plaque.
Fortunately, there are several drinks you can choose from that are more healthy. You can try drinking unsweetened tea or a glass of fluoridated water.
Getting Dental Treatments as Soon as Possible
To ensure healthy teeth before and after orthodontic treatment, you must first take care of your gums and teeth. Proper care will prevent cavities and tooth loss and keep your mouth free of gum disease. You can do this with regular dental check-ups. Your dentist will examine your mouth for problems and recommend a treatment plan.
Orthodontic treatment is designed to produce long-lasting and healthy results. It can also resolve problems such as an overbite, an open bite, excessive spacing, or crossbite. In addition, orthodontic treatment can improve your smile.
Taking care of your gums and teeth will ensure you can get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment. You should always keep your mouth clean, floss, and brush regularly.
Pre-orthodontic treatments include root canals, tooth extractions, and simple fillings. These procedures can be performed at any age. However, complex dental extractions require a more complicated removal technique.
To avoid cavities and gum disease, you should see your dentist at least twice a year. This will allow you to catch any problem before it becomes severe.
