How to Take Care of Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic care enhances your oral health by aligning your teeth and improving your bite, leading to a healthier mouth and a more confident smile. However, during orthodontic treatment, your teeth and gums can be more susceptible to problems such as plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum inflammation. Proper care and attention to your oral hygiene routine help prevent these potential problems and ensure the best possible outcome from your orthodontic treatment.

Potential Dental Problems During Orthodontic Treatments

• Plaque Buildup and Tooth Decay: Plaque buildup can occur around brackets and wires, leading to tooth decay. Look for signs such as white or yellowish film on teeth, sensitivity to hot or cold, and visible cavities.
• Gum Inflammation and Gingivitis: Plaque accumulation along the gumline can cause gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing.
• Discomfort and Pain: Pain often follows adjustments or new braces due to pressure on the teeth. Symptoms include soreness and discomfort when eating or speaking.
• Broken or Loose Brackets and Wires: Brackets or wires may become loose or break from trauma or hard foods. Symptoms include shifted brackets, increased discomfort, or irritation in the mouth.

Oral Hygiene Tips During Orthodontic Treatment

Brushing

When brushing with braces or aligners, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around each bracket and wire, ensuring you reach all surfaces of your teeth. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day, and consider using an interdental brush or a floss threader to clean between braces and wires. For those with aligners, regular fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush are recommended to avoid damaging the aligners. 

Flossing

Flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and around braces that a toothbrush alone may miss. For those with braces, use orthodontic floss or floss threaders to navigate around brackets and wires more easily. Gently thread the floss between each tooth and wrap it around the braces to clean the sides of the teeth. Flossing should be done at least once a day, ideally before bedtime, to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.

Rinsing

Using mouthwash offers significant benefits during orthodontic treatment by helping to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss. It’s important to choose a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid irritating sensitive gums and tissues. Rinsing with mouthwash once or twice a day, after brushing and flossing, complements your oral hygiene routine and helps maintain a healthy mouth throughout your treatment.

Diet and Food Choices

During orthodontic treatment, making smart food choices is essential to protect your braces and maintain optimal oral health. Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods such as candy, popcorn, and nuts, as they can damage brackets and wires or get stuck, making cleaning difficult. Additionally, limit sugary and acidic foods that can contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.

Special Considerations

Different types of braces require specific care to ensure effective treatment and comfort. For metal braces, be diligent in cleaning around the brackets and wires to prevent plaque buildup. Ceramic braces, while less noticeable, are equally susceptible to staining and should be cleaned thoroughly to maintain their appearance. Lingual braces, which are placed on the back of the teeth, can be more challenging to clean; using a special orthodontic toothbrush can help reach these hard-to-access areas. To manage discomfort from any type of braces, orthodontic wax can be applied to cover any brackets or wires that are causing irritation to the mouth. Regular check-ups and following these care tips will help ensure a smoother orthodontic experience.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Ohio

If you have any questions or need personalized advice on managing your orthodontic care, contact us to schedule an appointment at Northeast Orthodontic Specialists at one of our offices in Cincinnati, OH, and Loveland, OH. Our team is here to help you get started on your journey to a healthier, brighter smile.