Orthodontics is an important investment to have good oral health for life. So to ensure treatment success, our orthodontist wants the patient to strictly observe the guidelines during and after treatment.
To achieve the desired result, our orthodontist advices to care for the overall oral cavity from the patient’s gums to the teeth by following these rules:
– Patient must check as often as possible whether there may be food scraps attached to your braces, brackets and rubber, after every meal. If these are not removed, plaque may develop and will increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
– Patient must pay attention in cleaning teeth thoroughly including the orthodontic device, because if a problem occurs during treatment, this may result to permanently damaging the teeth, so we have to keep our braces and teeth clean.
– Experts in oral hygiene indicate that food acid and beverages can damage the surface of our teeth because they have high level of acidity, so it is best to avoid or limit eating these types of food during orthodontic treatment like citrus fruits, apples, cherries, raspberries, pineapples, soft drinks, fruit juice, salad dressing, vinegar, barbecue sauce, etc. Eat foods that are less acidic, such as fruits, bananas, mangoes, melons, vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, milk and water drinks, meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, pasta, soup etc.
– Limit the consumption of foods and beverages with a lot of sugar, because these will also cause tooth decay.
– Our saliva is a natural aid in preventing tooth decay. Because saliva helps to wash off the acid left in the mouth after eating. It is also important to drink lots of water to help wash away food scraps from the mouth.
– While wearing braces, be careful in eating sticky foods, and solid foods that may damage the braces. These include nuts, hard cookies, fruits and vegetables. When eating these types of food, you should cut them into small pieces if possible. Sticky foods that should be avoided are caramel, gum, toffee, etc.
– If braces fall-off, immediately see your dentist to have your braces repaired. Do not wait for your scheduled appointment to see your dentist.
– Oral cleaning during orthodontics is very important. Here are some cleaning instructions to follows:
- If rubber is attached to your braces, remove it first before brushing, and replace it back after.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. And use a toothbrush with soft bristles or a brush made especially for orthodontists
- Take longer to brush teeth than the usual to ensure that you have brushed your teeth and braces thoroughly
- Gently brush both your teeth and braces. Make sure to thoroughly clean the spaces between the wires and teeth and also around the brackets and wire.
- Brush both the outside and inside of the teeth using circular motion
- Use dental floss to clean and brush your teeth every time. While wearing braces, use dental floss hat is designed for patients with braces to easily insert silk through the braces, such as superfloss.
- Use mouthwash because it helps in cleaning, and reducing bacteria. You can ask your orthodontists for advice in choosing the right formula.
“Beautiful teeth, bright smiles, quality services”
Dental Clinic, Orthodontic Clinic, Skytrain Dental Group
www.skytraindental.com