Do Braces Require Extra Daily Hygiene Steps?

Braces are a great way to straighten teeth and achieve a better, well-aligned smile, but they do not come without responsibility. There are certain daily hygiene steps that should be followed when ensuring your teeth and mouth remain healthy and in good condition throughout the process.

How to care for teeth with braces

By having a complete understanding as to how to care for your teeth and braces properly, you can better ensure effective results and get the smile of your dreams in the shortest amount of time possible. The following is everything to know about how to care for your teeth when wearing braces.

Brush several times a day

First and foremost, it is essential to brush your teeth several times each day, especially when wearing braces. Braces make it more challenging to reach all of the areas of the teeth effectively, and it is important to brush as frequently as possible to ensure any bacteria and food particles are washed away. Otherwise, harmful particles can accumulate on the surface of teeth and increase the chance of oral health concerns such as enamel erosion or stained teeth.

Floss and use mouthwash

While brushing works to remove a good portion of harmful particles inside the mouth, there are certain areas such as in between teeth that can be much more difficult to reach through brushing. Subsequently, it is also important to floss and use mouthwash several times a day, or preferably after every meal, when wearing braces. By doing so, any remaining particles that have the potential to damage teeth or gums are removed.

Check for complications

Oral health complications such as enamel erosion may make the braces process much more difficult. It is important to check for any signs of an oral health complication and contact your orthodontist if one is noticed. Some of the more common issues that may be of concern when wearing braces include enamel erosion, chipped teeth and periodontal disease. The faster treatment for these issues is provided, the better.

Visit the orthodontist regularly

Most oral health issues when wearing braces can be prevented by visiting the orthodontist on a regular basis. Your orthodontist can conduct an oral examination on every visit to ensure no problems have developed. In the event of tooth decay, tooth damage or another form of complication has developed, your orthodontist can ensure the process is dealt with and the results of the braces are not compromised.

Are braces right for you?

Everyone deserves a smile they love and are truly proud of, and braces have helped many people gain a more attractive smile and have more confidence each day. If you have crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth or malocclusion that causes an oral health concern or cosmetic complication of any kind, consult with us today and schedule a time for an initial consultation. During your first visit, we can conduct an oral examination and guide you through the steps of the braces process.

Request an appointment here: https://www.orangecoastortho.com or call Orange Coast Orthodontics at (949) 860-1231 for an appointment in our Laguna Hills office.

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