Spring Cleaning Your Oral Care Routine: Tips for Orthodontic Patients
As the seasons change and spring cleaning begins, don’t forget to refresh your oral care routine! If you wear braces or Invisalign, maintaining good hygiene is essential to ensure your treatment stays on track. Here are expert tips from Dominion Orthodontics to help you spring clean your smile.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important for Orthodontic Patients?
Braces and clear aligners create extra surfaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Proper cleaning ensures a healthy, bright smile throughout your orthodontic journey.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Orthodontic Routine
1. Upgrade Your Toothbrush
Over time, toothbrush bristles wear out and become less effective. Spring is the perfect time to replace your manual or electric toothbrush head with a fresh one. Soft-bristled brushes or orthodontic toothbrushes work best for cleaning around brackets and wires.
2. Deep Clean Your Retainer or Aligners
If you wear Invisalign or a retainer, ensure you clean them daily. Soak them in a denture cleaner or a retainer-safe solution to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
Learn how to properly care for your retainer
3. Floss More Effectively
Braces make flossing more challenging, but tools like floss threaders or water flossers can help remove food debris between teeth and under wires.
4. Check for Any Orthodontic Issues
Examine your braces, aligners, or retainers for any signs of damage. If you notice loose wires, broken brackets, or cracks in your aligners, contact your orthodontist immediately.
Common Questions About Orthodontic Hygiene
1. How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
It’s recommended to brush after every meal or at least twice daily. Using fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
2. Can I use mouthwash with Invisalign or braces?
Yes! A fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash helps keep your mouth clean and fresh, reducing plaque buildup around brackets and aligners.
3. What foods should I avoid during orthodontic treatment?
Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can damage braces and increase the risk of cavities. Avoid caramel, popcorn, hard candies, and chewing gum.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your oral care habits! By following these simple tips, you can keep your braces or aligners clean and your treatment on track. If you need professional advice or a check-up, Book a free consultation with Dominion Orthodontics today!
