Orthodontic treatment is an exciting journey toward a healthier, straighter smile, but maintaining excellent oral hygiene during this time is essential. Whether you have braces or aligners, keeping your teeth and gums clean is key to achieving the best results. At Farina Orthodontics, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your oral care throughout your orthodontic treatment.
1. Brush & Floss Regularly
When wearing braces, it’s important to brush after every meal and snack. Food particles can get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly clean each tooth surface, especially around the brackets.
For patients with clear aligners, the same rule applies: brush after meals to prevent staining and buildup on your aligners. Don’t forget to clean the aligners themselves daily using a soft brush and clear, antibacterial soap.
Pro Tip: Use an interdental toothbrush or orthodontic toothbrush for better access around braces.
2. Flossing with Braces
Flossing might seem tricky with braces, but it’s crucial for maintaining healthy gums. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around the wires, or consider investing in a water flosser for ease and efficiency. Aim to floss at least once a day, but twice is even better!
For those with aligners, remove them before flossing, and be sure to floss after every meal to prevent food particles from lingering between teeth.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help rinse away any remaining particles and bacteria that brushing and flossing might miss. It also helps keep your breath fresh and prevents plaque buildup.
Pro Tip: Rinse with mouthwash before bedtime to ensure your teeth are protected while you sleep.
4. Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods
During orthodontic treatment, especially with braces, it’s important to avoid foods that can damage your orthodontic appliances. Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, or ice can break brackets, while sticky foods like caramel or gum can get stuck in the wires.
If you’re wearing clear aligners, it’s best to remove them when eating to avoid damaging them and be mindful of foods that can stain your aligners, like coffee or red wine.
5. Stay on Top of Your Dental Visits
In addition to your regular orthodontic checkups at Farina Orthodontics, don’t skip your routine dental visits for cleanings and exams. Your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
6. Use Orthodontic Wax for Comfort
If your braces are causing discomfort due to wires or brackets rubbing against your cheeks, orthodontic wax can provide relief. Simply roll a small amount of wax between your fingers and place it over the problem area.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean and prevents dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities. Water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your teeth and appliances clean between meals.
8. Don’t Forget Your Aligners
If you’re undergoing treatment with clear aligners, keeping track of wear time is key. Most patients need to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Don’t forget to clean your aligners daily with soap and water, and store them in their case when not in use.
At Farina Orthodontics, we want your journey to a straighter smile to be as smooth as possible. By following these oral care tips, you’ll protect your teeth, gums, and appliances, ensuring beautiful, healthy results. For more personalized advice or to schedule your next appointment, contact our team today!