Orthodontic treatment is a wonderful gift we give our children or ourselves. The creation of a beautiful and healthy smile is an investment in health and well being that is eclipsed by few other things. However, without the proper mouth care during orthodontic treatment, dental and periodontal problems can develop leading to tooth stains, cavities, or infected gum tissue.
First, think about your toothbrush. A regular toothbrush can certainly do the job. Our strong recommendation for our orthodontic patients if they have to choose between an electric toothbrush and a water flosser would be to use a regular toothbrush with a water flosser prioritized over an electric toothbrush. However, it might be a good idea to invest in a good electric toothbrush (sonicare or oral B) if you or your child doesn’t have great dexterity with tooth brushing or if you frequently hear the hygienist finding plaque and calculus build up at 6-month check ups. If you do decide to purchase an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is small enough and flexible enough to get around easily in you or your child’s mouth and that it is a rechargeable and not a battery-operated one. The battery-operated toothbrushes do not improve brushing as they do not spin or vibrate fast enough.
Flossing your teeth may seem tedious when braces and wires are in the way (and frankly, it is much more complicated) but it is also essential to clean the gums and between the teeth when you are wearing braces. Floss-on-a-stick solutions like Platypus flossers are a good way to achieve the access around braces that is required. They are much easier to use than string floss as no threading is required. Our strongest recommendation is to use a water flosser (or Waterpik). Finally, use an antimicrobial or high fluoride mouthwash.
The daily completion of this routine will help to make sure teeth are as clean and protected as possible by keeping unwanted bacteria at bay while protecting and strengthening enamel with fluoride.
If you have any other questions about good oral hygiene while wearing braces, please ask us!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Preferred Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
