Oral Hygiene
Orthodontic Treatment in Frisco, TX
At Corbridge Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a smile they truly love, and our mission is to help our patients achieve one through comprehensive, convenient orthodontic treatment. Our Little Elm orthodontist offers a variety of treatment options ranging from traditional braces to alternatives like Invisalign, and we take care to customize each treatment plan to suit the unique lifestyles of our patients. But in addition to the treatment we provide here in our orthodontic office, how you care for your teeth at home is also critical to the health of your smile – and that means oral hygiene is central to orthodontic treatment.
How to Maintain Oral Hygiene with Braces
Besides taking care of your braces or wearing your Invisalign aligners for the recommended time, one of the most important parts of caring for your smile is to keep your teeth healthy by maintaining strong oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is always important, but during treatment, your teeth are even more vulnerable to bacteria and dental decay. This means your oral hygiene regimen is doubly important during orthodontic treatment – and these tips can help strengthen yours:
- Use the Right Toothbrush: We recommend brushing with a soft-bristle or bi-level toothbrush. Electric brushes are good as well, but make sure they're on a moderate setting and avoid hitting your braces with the back of the brush.
- Keep Flossing: You'll need to floss daily to protect your teeth, and if you're wearing braces, that means you'll also need to use a floss threader to properly floss under your archwires.
- Use Extra Tools: During treatment, you may want to use some extra oral hygiene tools like interdental brushes to dislodge food particles and bacteria that can accumulate around brackets.
- Fluoride: Regular fluoride treatment may also be helpful in protecting against cavities, so be sure to discuss this with your orthodontist.
- Rinse It Out: Rinse your mouth regularly with an antiseptic rinse or hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Doing this helps reduce gum inflammation and discomfort, while also controlling bacteria growth in your mouth.
- Clean Your Appliances: If you're in the retention phase or wearing Invisalign aligners, make sure to brush your appliances daily, as you would your own teeth, to keep them clean.
The Orthodontic Treatment Diet
Brushing & flossing are one aspect of oral hygiene, but believe it or not, your diet is another. Bacteria that harm your teeth feed on sugars and carbohydrates, so consuming foods high in these can contribute to the growth of bacteria and plaque. Limit sugary and high-carb foods like candy or cookies, instead opting for healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. You'll also want to avoid acidic foods and drinks, which can weaken tooth enamel – so soda, wine, citrus, and other acidic substances are a no-no.
Keep Seeing Your Dentist
Many patients assume that because they're visiting a Little Elm orthodontist, they don't need to keep going to their dentist. But this couldn't be further from the truth! Oral hygiene and health is vital to successful treatment, so if anything, your routine dental checkups and teeth cleanings are even more important during orthodontic treatment. Keep up appointments with your dentist every six months, as this will help keep your teeth healthy and ensure there are no underlying problems developing that may threaten your new smile.
Contact Your Little Elm, TX Orthodontist
We hope these tips help you maintain healthy, strong teeth during the orthodontic treatment process, and if you have more questions about oral hygiene or want more braces care tips, we're always here to help. Contact us today to discuss the orthodontic treatment process, ask any questions you have about maintaining oral hygiene, or to schedule a check-up at our office. We can't wait to hear from you!
