Brushing and Flossing

How to Get the Best Smile!

Congratulations on your new braces! Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners can trap food particles more easily, making it essential to keep both your teeth and appliances clean.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

Plaque, a thin coating of bacteria, can form on your teeth and around your braces. This bacteria digests sugars from food, producing acids that may erode your teeth and irritate your gums, leading to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Effective plaque control is vital for maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums.

Diet and Decay

Managing your diet is essential for reducing the risk of tooth decay. Avoid foods high in sugar, such as soda, sweets, and ice cream. Steer clear of sticky or hard foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in them. Hard candies, nuts, and tough pizza crusts are best avoided. Instead, enjoy soft, healthy foods like cut-up carrots and apples, and avoid chewing on ice, pencils, or nails, which can harm your appliances and teeth.

Daily Maintenance

Brushing and flossing are key to keeping your teeth clean, especially with braces. We have partnered with Crest through the Ortho Essentials program to provide Oral-B electric toothbrushes, mouthwash, pick toothbrushes, and flossers to our patients. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily are essential. Our team will demonstrate proper techniques and monitor your progress to ensure you maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

Professional Care

Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial, but don’t forget to see your dentist as well. While we focus on aligning your teeth, your dentist will provide thorough examinations, cleanings, and preventive care to keep your teeth healthy. It’s a team effort involving your orthodontist, dentist, and you to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.