An Orthodontist in Independence Gives Advice on Hygiene
An orthodontist in Independence explains that everyone’s daily routine should include proper oral care, and not just because it keeps your teeth looking nice. It’s also essential for preventing tartar, demineralization, and gingivitis, three common dental issues. If you wear clear braces in Independence, maintaining good oral hygiene can be more challenging, which increases your risk of developing these problems compared to people without braces.
Because maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment with a children’s orthodontist in Independence can be difficult when wearing braces, the staff at Lakewood Orthodontics has created this guide. Let’s begin with the most effective brushing methods!
Orthodontist in Independence: Improved Teething, Brighter Smile
The most crucial component of oral health, especially when wearing braces, is maintaining good dental hygiene. Use fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth a thorough two to three times a day brushing, paying close attention to the spaces between your brackets and your gums. After every meal, do this to remove any food particles that might have lodged in or around your braces. Pay close attention to the spaces between the brackets and your gums and the areas where the wires meet your teeth.
Every time you brush, keep brushing for at least two minutes. Press the bristle tips flat against your teeth and use gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth. Next, work in the spaces between the gums and the braces, tilting the brush in the direction of the gum line as you go. The upper and lower teeth’s chewing surfaces are the next to be cleaned, and to do so, firmly move the bristles back and forth. Finally, make sure to use the same tiny circular motions to thoroughly brush the inside surfaces of the teeth.
While you’re waiting for your children’s orthodontist in Independence to provide you with instructions on how to properly clean the teeth surrounding your ceramic braces in Independence, here are some pointers on improving your brushing habits at home.
- Hold your toothbrush for orthodontics gently. To really help you clean in between your braces and your teeth, there are toothbrushes made specifically for orthodontic use that have longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle.
- Another option is to use an electric toothbrush with a soft bristled head; however, if the toothbrush has a speed adjustment, go for a more moderate setting to avoid breaking or loosening any part of your braces by accident.
- An interdental brush is an additional choice for getting rid of food particles and difficult-to-reach plaque. It slides in between the wires and the teeth.
- Along with routine brushing and flossing, you can use a fluoride-containing mouthwash to help strengthen your teeth’s enamel and stave off tooth decay while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Throughout your treatment with an orthodontist in Independence, it’s critical to keep an eye on the condition of your teeth and gums with routine dental visits. Aim for cleanings and examinations every two years.
Throughout treatment with an orthodontist in Independence, there is a considerable increased risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease if you do not take proper care of your braces. Flossing is just as important to maintaining the health of your teeth as brushing. Although you might believe that flossing while wearing braces is impossible, there are actually a few efficient methods for doing so!
Orthodontist in Independence: Wonderful Flossing
An instrument called a floss threader is made to make flossing with white braces in Independence easier. You just feed the threader under the arch wire, pull one end of the floss through the threader, and then grab the floss on each end and slide it under the gums and up and down the sides of both teeth. This process is similar to that of threading a needle. Is there a squeaking noise? Proceed to the following tooth section after removing the threader.
In addition to routine brushing and flossing, you can also use oral irrigators, such as a Waterpik. These tools can remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth and braces by shooting tiny, high-pressure streams of water onto your teeth.
Orthodontist in Independence: A Word About Diet
One crucial—yet frequently overlooked—aspect of oral health is diet. You should avoid certain foods when wearing braces. These could harm both your teeth and your braces. The following things should be avoided when wearing braces.
Anything chewy or sticky, like:
- Caramel
- Gummy bears
- Certain protein bars
- Cotton candy
- Certain kinds of candy
- Tough cuts of meat
Once more, the issue with these is that they may harm your adult braces in Independence. Food particles could also become lodged beneath the braces.
Avoid acidic items, like:
- Sodas
- Oranges
- Apples
- Lemons
- Lemon juice
These can stain your teeth, as well as damaging the enamel.
Stay away from sugary foods and drinks, such as
- Sweets
- Sodas
- Fruit smoothies
- Very processed foods
Products with a lot of sugar can contribute to the formation of more plaque because it’s hard to clean teeth under braces and sugar serves as “food” for oral bacteria.
Orthodontist in Independence: Cleaning & Maintaining Dental Health
It’s crucial to take good care of your braces in order to prevent issues and achieve the gorgeous smile you desire. To do this, brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.
At Lakewood Orthodontics, your orthodontist in Independence we appreciate the significance of a perfect smile and treat you like part of our family. Our objective is to provide beautiful, healthy smiles that will last a lifetime using cutting-edge orthodontic care in a fun, family-friendly environment. We offer various treatment options, including traditional braces, clear ceramic braces, hidden braces, and Invisalign to accommodate every individual’s needs and preferences.
Dr. Ravi Rajanna, a clear aligner orthodontist in Independence collaborates with your general dentist to encourage routine dental care and good oral hygiene at home. We’re proud of our flexible scheduling and affordable treatment options, including no-interest payment plans. Furthermore, we accept direct payment for most insurance plans. Our practice prioritizes safety and comfort, ensuring the highest level of protection for our patients through our sterilization procedures.
Call us at (816) 373-0300 to book your appointment!
If you’re in the Independence area and seeking a reliable orthodontist, Lakewood Orthodontics is the place for you. Our wide range of services includes clear aligner orthodontics, children’s orthodontics, pediatric orthodontics, adolescent orthodontics, adult braces, empower braces, snoring treatment, sleep apnea treatment, retainers, clear braces in Independence, ceramic braces, white braces, Damon braces, and or lingual braces in Independence. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your consultation and embark on your journey towards the perfect smile you’ve always desired!
