Key Takeaways:
· Good oral hygiene is a must throughout orthodontic treatment.
· This will prevent damage to your orthodontic appliances if you better choose the right foods.
· Regular dental cleanings done by a dental professional improve one’s general oral health.
Oral Hygiene during Orthodontic Treatment: Importance
Good oral hygiene means a lot when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and aligners are so much capable of developing pockets for the collection of food particles and plaque, thereby increasing the risks in tooth decay and periodontal disease. Other concomitant problems include bad breath if not properly treated. To maintain your teeth in healthy condition throughout your treatment, you are advised to strictly follow an oral care routine diligently.
Many are concerned with finding reliable care options during their treatment. Services such as orthodontics Orem make life easier for the residents by offering comprehensive care and some useful tips to maintain your dental health. Consultation with your orthodontist on a regular basis can keep you ahead in all kinds of oral health issues and nipping the problem in its bud before it becomes serious.
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Proper techniques of brushing and flossing are able to remove the food particles and plaque from around orthodontic appliances. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and brush at least twice daily. Simple as this may sound, the procedure must be well done. Keep the brush angled toward the gumline and around brackets and wires for optimal effectiveness. If doing so, brush all surfaces of all teeth – front, back, and chewing surfaces – for at least two minutes every time.
And, of course, there is flossing with a floss threader or water flosser around the teeth and braces daily. Flossing with the braces on might be a little cumbersome, but not impossible. Floss threaders can help feed the floss under the wires and between the teeth, effectively removing any trapped food particles and plaque. Water flossers provide a stream of water to clean between the teeth and are a great alternative for people who find traditional flossing difficult.
Choosing the Right Foods
The food one consumes also plays an important role in his or her orthodontic treatment. Hard, sticky, and sweet foods cause a lot of damage to the braces, making the teeth prone to cavities. Nuts, popcorn, candies of hard nature, and caramel-like foods that are of a sticky nature cross any limit, often leading to the breaking of brackets or denting of wires, taking your treatment time further. Go for soft foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which almost do no harm to orthodontic appliances.
These dietary changes can also load up on more nutrition in general. The extra nutrition helps to bolster better health.
Consuming a balance of healthy foods safeguards the orthodontic appliances, but it also gives your body the nutrients it needs. Think of calcium in milk and yogurt for strong teeth. Most leafy greens contain a number of vitamins and other minerals and because of this are also good sources of Vitamin C, very good for keeping your gums healthy. In this way, such healthier food choices will support your orthodontic treatment and also contribute to general health.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular visits to the orthodontist will monitor the movement of your teeth and adjust problems that may be arising. Your orthodontist can catch any problem early on that could prevent your treatment from getting off course. Professional cleaning will also help remove plaque and tartar that might be missed with home care. This helps prevent decay and gum disease, both of which can be more difficult to deal with when considering braces or aligners.
Some recommends that people make routine visits to the dental office every six months for professional cleaning, which is still very important during orthodontic treatment. Not only does cleaning keep good aesthetics; it is a way to long-term oral health. Visits with both your dentist and orthodontist will help you receive personalized tips and advice that will help your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic experience.
Use of Mouthguards During Physical Activities
A mouthguard will also protect your braces and teeth against damage if you happen to participate in a certain sport or physical activity. Personalized fitted mouthguards give excellent protection and comfort compared to ones available over-the-counter. Due to the fact that these guards are custom-fit to your teeth, they will provide the maximum protection against an impact. They can also prevent injuries that could delay your treatment.
Whether for contact sport or other forms of activities, see your orthodontist to determine the best for you. These might be sporting events like football and hockey, or pastimes like skateboarding and martial arts. A well-fitted protector is very much needed to protect your teeth against injury, apart from cuts and bruises inside your mouth.
Handling Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies, such as those involving a broken bracket or wire, may occur. It is important to learn how to manage the problem so that comfort can be maintained until the orthodontist can treat the patient. Cover rough edges with orthodontic wax and alleviate irritation. Do not attempt to self-correct broken appliances. Broken appliances can cause extreme discomfort and impede the course of treatment. A majority of these can be alleviated with one call to the orthodontist and a little prevention. The first action is always to call your orthodontist and explain the situation. Having this number accessible will save you so much hassle in case something urgent happens. Moreover, knowing some simple ways of providing first aid for minor orthodontic problems can help you feel less stressed and uncomfortable while waiting for professional help.
Maintaining Results After Treatment
Once your braces have been removed, or you no longer require aligners, you will have to retain. In all likelihood, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer that will maintain your teeth in their new positions. You will be expected to wear this as instructed. Most retainers are worn full-time in the beginning and then at night after that as prescribed by your orthodontist. Failure to wear the retainer can lead to a shifting of the teeth back to their old positions. Continue with good oral hygiene and let your smile be the best it can be for many years ahead. Keep the good habit of brushing and flossing with dental checkup follow-ups on the side. Also, keep a healthy diet that will support your overall oral health. By sticking to these habits and practices, you are able to enjoy the benefits of your orthodontic treatment for a lifetime.
