At Arizona Smile Designers, we’re proud to offer high-quality dental treatment to help patients of all ages in Cottonwood, Sedona, and the surrounding areas achieve beautiful new smiles. But it’s not just the treatment we provide in our office that matters: how you care for your teeth at home is equally important. Proper oral hygiene is absolutely imperative to achieving a healthy new smile, and if you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, there are a number of habits you’ll want to form.
How to Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene with Braces
If you’re straightening your teeth with metal or clear braces, how you care for your oral hygiene will have a dramatic impact on the success of your treatment. Because your teeth are extra vulnerable to cavities and dental decay during treatment, oral hygiene counts double – and if you’re wondering how to properly care for your teeth with braces, here are a few oral hygiene habits we encourage you to adopt:
Brush Religiously: In addition to brushing in the morning and at night, we also recommend getting in the habit of brushing your teeth after eating.
Make an On-The-Go Care Kit: Part of the difficulty of oral hygiene with braces is caring for your teeth while out and about, which is why we always recommend making a mobile braces care kit. Include a small toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, floss threaders, and any other tools you need like elastics or an interdental brush. By keeping this with you at all times, you’re always prepared to keep your oral hygiene in top condition.
Drink More Water: While it’s no substitute for brushing, drinking plain water helps to flush your mouth out and clear away loose bacteria or food particles. Plus, if you’re drinking fluoridated tap water, you’re also helping to strengthen your teeth!
Mind Your Diet: It’s important to watch what you eat during treatment. Hard, sticky, and sugary foods all pose a risk of harming teeth and braces, so make sure you know what foods to avoid throughout the treatment process.
See Your Trusted Dentist: Just because you’re getting orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you don’t need dental treatment as well! You should still maintain your routine dental exams and cleanings while wearing braces, so don’t forget to keep up regular visits to your dentist’s office.
Contact Your Cottonwood, AZ Family Dentist
These habits are a great way to start building your oral hygiene routine during orthodontic treatment, and by taking these steps and building other tooth-friendly habits, you’ll be helping to ensure the best possible result from your braces. If you still have questions about maintaining oral hygiene with braces, we’re here to help. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule a check-up appointment at our office. We can’t wait to hear from you!
If you’re straightening your teeth with metal or clear braces, how you care for your oral hygiene will have a dramatic impact on the success of your treatment. Because your teeth are extra vulnerable to cavities and dental decay during treatment, oral hygiene counts double – and if you’re wondering how to properly care for your teeth with braces, here are a few oral hygiene habits we encourage you to adopt:
