If you or your teen have braces, chances are it is to obtain that perfect smile that is constantly sought after by many. But if you do not practice good oral hygiene while you have those braces, your teeth might be straight, but they could have a less than pleasing appearance when the braces come off. Not following proper oral hygiene when you have braces could cause tooth decay and gum disease, both of which could put your once healthy teeth at risk.
Proper Home Care
The care that you give your teeth at home plays a vital role in the success of your braces treatment. Even though it might be difficult, it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every time that you eat. If you are truly unable to get your teeth brushed, at the very least, rinse your mouth vigorously with water and spit it out. This allows the food particles that are caught in your braces to come loose. This eliminates the risk of bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth. In addition to brushing, you should also floss your teeth at least once per day with a floss threader. The threader allows you to feed the floss underneath the braces wire and in between your teeth in order to get rid of the food that could be caught.
Visiting our Office
In addition to proper home oral health care is the need to come to our office for your regular dental checkups. These appointments are very important while you have braces because it gives our hygienists a chance to give your teeth a thorough cleaning. It also gives Dr. Liggett a chance to thoroughly inspect in between your teeth to look for plaque buildup and assess your risk for tooth decay or look for signs of early gum disease. The sooner that any of these issues are found, the more likely it is that they can be effectively treated without any drastic measures.
Your overall oral health depends on how well you take care of your teeth while you have braces. Taking the extra time to practice proper home oral health care as well as keeping your dental appointments is the best way to ensure a beautiful smile!
