Orthodontic Care

What Oral Problems Does Poor Oral Hygiene Cause?

Neglecting oral hygiene while wearing braces can lead to several issues, such as:

• Decalcification: White spots that appear on your teeth because plaque causes enamel to lose minerals. These stains will stay a part of your teeth forever.
• Gum Disease: Poor brushing can cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed.
• Advanced Periodontitis: If untreated, gum disease can progress to a more severe stage. Plaque can accumulate around your gums until it reaches the tooth roots and damages the bone that supports your teeth.

How to Brush with Braces

• Choose fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush in good condition.
• Brush all parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth, including fronts, sides, backs, tongue, and roof of your mouth.
• Brush your gums carefully and thoroughly.
• Rinse after you're done brushing.
• Use a well-lit mirror to inspect your teeth and braces, ensuring they are clean and checking for any loose or broken brackets.

How to Floss with Braces

• Floss every night before bed when you have more time.
• Use a floss threader to get dental floss under your archwire.
• Clean thoroughly along and under the gumlines.

Other Ways to Clean Your Teeth with Braces

• Interproximal Brush: Use this tool to clean under your archwire, removing plaque and food debris around your brackets.
• Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste or Rinse: If Dr. Dyer recommends it, use these products once a day to strengthen and protect your teeth.
• Electric Toothbrush or Water Flosser: These devices make cleaning your teeth and braces more efficient and effective.

When Is It Best to Clean Your Teeth and Braces?

• Brush well after every meal or snack. If you can't brush right away, rinse your mouth with water.
• Keep a travel toothbrush with you for brushing when you're not at home.
• Every day, make sure to thoroughly brush your teeth and braces until they are completely clean, and then floss. This might take a little extra time, so try doing it at night before you go to sleep.