Maintaining healthy teeth is important at any time, but it is even more essential if you’re wearing braces or undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces can help straighten your teeth and give you a beautiful smile, but they also require extra care to protect the health of your teeth during treatment. Taking good care of your teeth will result in quicker treatment that yields the desired results with minimal damage done to other areas of your mouth. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy oral hygiene while wearing braces or undergoing orthodontic treatments.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time

Taking care of your teeth is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. To get the most out of this treatment and avoid damaging your braces, it is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. During these brushing sessions, pay special attention to areas around the brackets and wires that are difficult to reach. Teeth should be cleaned in short strokes away from the gums to help remove any particles from meals and snacks and plaque from sugars consumed between meals.

Floss your teeth every day

Flossing daily is an important part of this routine, as it removes food particles and other debris trapped between teeth that cannot be reached when brushing alone. Proper flossing involves wrapping the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and gently sliding it up and down along and around the gum lines, making sure to go beneath the wires for the best possible clean. Additionally, doing this daily prevents plaque accumulation which can result in periodontal diseases or staining on your braces, which are not ideal during an orthodontic treatment plan. With a little know-how and regular practice, you can keep your mouth fresh and healthy from now until your glorious post-treatment smile is revealed!

Use a mouthwash that kills bacteria and helps to prevent plaque build-up.

While orthodontic treatments are a great way to improve your smile, they come with unique challenges. One of these is the high risk of plaque build-up due to high amounts of bacteria in the mouth. To prevent this, it’s important to use a mouthwash specifically designed for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. These mouthwashes contain antiseptic ingredients that kill all types of bacteria, both good and bad, and help prevent plaque from forming. Additionally, they can also provide relief from inflammation or swelling caused by braces and other orthodontic devices. Using a mouthwash that kills bacteria and helps to prevent plaque build-up during orthodontic treatment is an important step in achieving the beautiful smile you desire.

Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Eating a mostly whole foods diet rich in fruits and vegetables while receiving orthodontic treatment is essential to better health outcomes. Not only will fresh fruits and vegetables provide your body with various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that are important for overall health, but they can also help reduce symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, acne, and digestive difficulties that are sometimes associated with recreational or medicinal drug use. Plenty of fresh produce helps clean teeth during orthodontic appointments by providing food for the beneficial bacteria in our mouths. Lastly, consuming high fruits and vegetables during orthodontic treatment can lead to improved moods from increased serotonin production. All these factors suggest that eating healthy should always be a priority when treating your smile.

Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.

An important step to follow while undergoing orthodontics is to limit the consumption of sugary snacks and drinks. Sugary drinks, such as sodas and sweetened coffee beverages, can adhere to braces and in between teeth, promoting tooth decay. Foods high in sugar, such as candy or sticky snacks, also stick to braces making it difficult for them to be brushed away, which can cause further damage to your teeth. Therefore, avoiding these sugary snacks and drinks during your orthodontic treatments will enable you to obtain the best possible results.

See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Regular checkups and cleanings of your orthodontic treatment are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. Dental work in San Gabriel can be easily found with a Google search. Regular appointments will help ensure better oral health and provide an opportunity for early detection of common dental issues such as decay or gum disease. During these visits, your dentist will monitor your overall dental health and educate you on proper oral hygiene habits to prevent future problems such as cavities or periodontal disease. They may also perform necessary treatments such as scaling, x-rays, professional whitening, etc. To sum it all up, seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings of orthodontic treatment is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile!