What your dentists in Bolingbrook, Illinois want you to know
Wearing braces can be intimidating. Those metal brackets and wires can form a barrier between your toothbrush and your teeth. Orthodontics doesn’t have to keep you from caring for your smile. Your dentists at Bolingbrook Dental Care in Bolingbrook, Illinois want to share how you can keep good oral hygiene habits when you have braces.
First, it’s important to remember why you practice good oral hygiene. The goal of a good oral hygiene program is to eliminate the plaque clinging to your teeth. That’s because the plaque contains millions of harmful bacteria which produce toxins strong enough to destroy your soft tissue and your teeth.
Lack of good oral hygiene can cause tooth decay, gum and periodontal disease, gum recession, and stains and discolorations on your teeth. There’s nothing worse than having your straight smile covered up by a mouth full of problems.
You can avoid dental problems by practicing good oral hygiene. Remember to:
- Brush after eating and before bed. Consider investing in a sonic toothbrush. The pulsing action works well to remove and flush out plaque and debris in difficult access areas.
- Floss your teeth every day. Floss threaders or picks are necessary to floss underneath the wires.
- You can also use a fluoride rinse to protect your tooth enamel. Just remember not to rinse, eat or drink immediately afterward. Give the fluoride time to work.
No excellent oral hygiene program is complete without regular visits to your dentist. You should visit your dentist at least once each year for a full exam and x-rays. You should also schedule professional dental cleanings at least twice each year to maintain your oral health.
Keeping good oral hygiene when you have braces doesn’t have to be difficult. Thanks to modern tools like sonic toothbrushes, floss picks, and other aids, cleaning your teeth even when you have braces is easier than you think. For more information about oral hygiene, orthodontics and other restorative and cosmetic dental issues call your dentists at Bolingbrook Dental Care in Bolingbrook, Illinois today!