Your risk of gum disease heightens during orthodontic treatment because food and plaque particles easily become trapped in the wires and brackets so cleaning your smile becomes more challenging. To reduce your risk of gum disease while wearing braces, you can improve your oral health daily through these steps:
- Brush your teeth as often as you can. You probably already know that you need to brush twice a day, two minutes at a time, but the presence of braces means you should be brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush after every meal and snack.
- Floss effectively every day. You can use any type of flossing product as long as you are achieving a sufficiently clean and not harming your gums. Our orthodontist can provide some helpful tips if you are struggling with flossing around braces.
- Use mouthwash daily. Mouthwash performs important functions for braces-clad teeth, such as further cleaning your smile, preventing plaque buildup, and freshening your breath. Fluoride and anti-bacterial mouthwashes are particularly beneficial.
- Keep up with all visits to the dentist. We can’t substitute for the regular dental cleanings you receive at a dental office. These are the only treatment that can completely remove plaque from your smile.
Practicing these four dental habits consistently can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease. Please contact Hawaii Smile Designs today if you have concerns about your risk of gum disease during orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontists and our team will work with your to keep your smile healthy.
