The Challenge Of Oral Hygiene For Orthodontic Patients

This post from Michelsen Dental in Orange CA is for orthodontic patients. Among our many services, we offer everything from metal to clear braces.

There is no doubt about it – it is harder to keep your teeth clean if you wear traditional braces. It’s unfortunate (and ironic) when brace wearers develop tooth decay and weaken their teeth while simultaneously trying to improve their smile.

The brackets and wires on traditional metal braces create hard to reach places where harmful bacteria can thrive. If brace wearers don’t pay constant and careful attention to oral hygiene, their teeth can be permanently damaged. The cycle of decay goes like this: 1. Food particles are trapped in the tiny spaces in and around the wires. 2. The bacteria in the food particles multiply. 3. The bacteria creates plaque. 4. The plaque erodes the enamel. 5. Cavities form.

Most Michelsen Dental brace wearers know that they should avoid sticky, sugary foods that stick to their braces, but some don’t realize that any carbohydrate-based food turns into sugar. Thus, a cracker can be just as bad for your teeth as a Tootsie Roll if the particles are not removed.

Brace wearers should also watch their intake of highly-acidic foods and beverages. Though some acidic foods are very healthy – think tomatoes, oranges, raspberries – it is wise to substitute less acidic foods that contain similar nutrients. There are few beverages as harmful as soda and sports drinks, both of which have the detrimental duo of acid and sugar.

What You Can Do

Here are the ten steps to effective brushing while wearing metal braces, courtesy of Colgate:

1. 1. If your orthodontist has fitted you with elastics, remove them before brushing.
2. Using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft, compact toothbrush, place your brush at an angle of 45 degrees against the gums. Gently brush along the gum line where the gums and teeth meet, using a small circular motion on each tooth.
3. Spend about 10 seconds on each tooth before moving onto the next tooth, brushing in a set pattern so that you don’t miss any teeth.
4. Gently brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires. Ensure that you brush under the wires. A battery powered brush may be helpful.
5. Brush both the inside and the outside surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion on each tooth. Brush the inside and the outside surfaces of your teeth.
6. For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.
7. Spit out excess paste, then closely inspect your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that they are clean and shiny.
8. Replace your elastics in accordance with your orthodontist’s recommendation.
9. After brushing, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash for 1 minute to help prevent cavities and white spots.
10. Use other oral care products as prescribed by your dental professional.¹

It is also important to floss while wearing braces, but that is a topic for another article.

Another Option

Many of the above issues can be avoided with clear braces, a newer style available at Michelsen Dental. Clear braces from Clear Correct and Invisalign are so subtle that it’s hard to tell you’ve got them in. They are also removeable, so they can come out at mealtime and when you brush your teeth.

To find out about all the orthodontic options from Michelsen Dental in Orange CA, including clear braces, schedule an appointment with us. We also offer the full range of general dentistry services. Call our office today.

Contact Michelsen Dental:

714-538-1178

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

172 N Tustin St Ste 104
Orange, California
92867