Hygiene Instructions
Good hygiene is essential in maintaining a healthy smile. Your hygiene habits become even more important when you have braces. It is true; braces make it harder to clean your teeth and gums.
Tips for Patients and Parents:
- Take your time brushing. If you fail to take the time to properly brush your teeth and stimulate your gums, swelling of the gum tissue and cavities may become a result of this neglect.
- Brush your teeth after every meal or snack.
- Carry a travel toothbrush at all times. Then if you’re at school you can go into the bathroom after lunch and brush your teeth. No toothpaste is necessary at this time, just a little water. If unable to brush immediately, at least rinse your mouth with water to loosen and remove the debris. Then brush as soon as possible.
- Keep up with your routine dental appointments. Some parents are under the assumption that since a child is undergoing orthodontic care, there is no need to keep up with their routine cleanings and examinations. This is not true. Since there is a greater potential for cavities and gum disease, these regular visits are crucial to your child's dental health. At our office, our orthodontic chairside assistant will give your child a thorough understanding of how to maintain excellent oral health during their orthodontic care that will result in a lifetime of gorgeous smiles.