How to Take Care of Your Teeth With Braces
Why Consistent Oral Hygiene and Dental Visits Matter
When you get braces, it's important to be prepared for the added challenge of maintaining good oral hygiene. Braces create small spaces where food particles can easily get trapped, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can keep your mouth healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
At-Home Dental Care for Braces
Proper home care is essential when wearing braces. Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal—including snacks. Daily flossing is also critical, as is rinsing with mouthwash to remove lingering bacteria. Together, these steps help prevent staining and other complications that could prolong your treatment.
To make your brushing more effective, consider using an electric toothbrush. These are often more efficient at cleaning around brackets and wires than manual brushes.
Don’t Skip Dental Visits
In addition to your home routine, regular visits to our office are a must. We’ll need to adjust your braces periodically, and these appointments may come with some discomfort—but they’re essential for steady progress.
You'll also need to continue your routine dental checkups. During these visits, we’ll check for cavities, signs of gum disease, and provide fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth during treatment.
Why Dental Hygiene Matters So Much
Maintaining great dental hygiene during orthodontic treatment ensures that your teeth will look great once the braces come off. It also helps prevent damage to the braces themselves, which can lead to discomfort, added expenses, or less-than-ideal results.
Perhaps most importantly, regular checkups help us prevent issues before they start—saving you time and trouble in the long run. If you don’t already have your next appointment scheduled, give our office a call today. Let’s keep your smile on track!
Let’s Get Started
Ready to schedule your first visit? You can book an appointment online or give us a call. We’re excited to meet you and help you begin your journey to a healthier, brighter smile.