Do you (or your child) have braces? According to Humana, there are more than four million people in the US who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Lechner knows that many of his patients at his office in Delaware, OH wear braces. Unfortunately for these people, they experience more difficulties in keeping their teeth and mouth healthy. While braces are great for correcting bite issues and making your smile more attractive, they can also lead to an increase in cavities and other health problems.
Why do braces cause more health problems?
When you have braces, there is a lot of extra “stuff” in your mouth: brackets, wires, bands, and more! With all of the extra bulk in your mouth, it gives plaque, tartar, germs, and bacteria areas to hide and wreak havoc throughout your mouth! If you do not give extra attention to removing these things from your mouth, you will begin to experience dental health problems.
While Dr. Lechner believes orthodontic care is incredibly important, he does recognize the unique challenges that come with having braces. Below, Dr. Lechner offers some tips to keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy!
Make use of an electric toothbrush
Replacing your manual toothbrush with an electric toothbrush will help to offset the wires and brackets in your mouth. While a manual toothbrush can do an adequate job for most patients, people with braces are not included in that group. If you have braces, get an electric brush to make sure you are maximizing how much plaque and bacteria you are eliminating from your mouth.
Brush more often than before
Brushing twice per day is great! But with braces, you should consider brushing more than twice per day. In fact, it would be advantageous for you to brush your teeth after each meal, if possible. If you allow food particles to sit in your mouth, bacteria will feed on them and you will experience an increase in plaque build up.
Your hygiene techniques matter
While brushing with an electric brush will help you, as will brushing more often, your brushing technique still matters. It is important for you to angle your toothbrush away from the gums in order to work plaque and bacteria away from your gum line. In addition to your brushing technique, it is critical that you still floss in the proper manner as well. Flossing is much more difficult with braces but is still important in your oral health.
Increase your fluoride intake
When you buy your dental products, look for products that contain fluoride. In addition to this, you should drink more tap water which contains fluoride as well. Consuming/using products that contain fluoride will help to remineralize your teeth and keep them stronger.
Are you concerned about your oral hygiene in Delaware, OH?
Dr. Lechner in Delaware, OH is always welcoming new patients to our office. If you are in need of a professional cleaning, or other dental services, we welcome you to contact us today!