The Importance of Routine Dental Hygiene With Braces

Having braces can be quite a hindrance, especially with eating certain foods that pose quite the challenge when cleaning your teeth. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Sarah Olim of Olim and Associates in Katy, TX, suggest maintaining a thorough dental care regimen during your time with braces.

Having the Right Tools

While preventative care with braces is similar to that of your natural teeth, there are certain tools to ensure you're cleaning all of the tooth surfaces.

  • A soft, fine-bristled toothbrush is most ideal when brushing teeth with braces. It's essential to thoroughly clean above and below the brackets and wires.
  • Using common floss with just your fingers for braces wearers is impractical, but dental tools like floss picks or threaders are ideal for flossing around brackets. Though the most expensive option, water flossers minimize the time committed to flossing due to the pressurized water spout.
  • By regularly visiting your Katy, TX, orthodontist, the brackets and wires of your braces will have extra protection as a result of professional dental cleanings.
  • Antibacterial mouthwashes are another form of protection for your teeth against built-up bacteria on those hard-to-reach tooth surfaces.

The Risks of Not Maintaining Your Braces

The metal brackets of braces are known to trap food in all the crevices, leaving an opening for plaque to settle on the surfaces of your teeth. The plaque will eventually become solidified deposits of tartar, which breaks down the enamel on your teeth and creates cavities. Cavities can be painful, and your braces will likely need to be removed to treat the cavities. Having proper oral techniques when wearing braces also reduces the risk of gum disease.

Visiting Your Orthodontist and Your Dentist 

Sticking to the first stages of a routine can be challenging, but worth the outcome of aligned teeth and a healthy smile. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Sarah at Olim and Associates are prepared to support you during your journey with braces by ensuring you get the smile of your dreams! Call our Katy, TX, office today to book your appointment at (281) 206-0249.

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