How to Clean Your Smile Effectively While Wearing Braces

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Gum disease and tooth decay are a common dental problem which can be prevented and treated. When you are wearing braces you are just as susceptible to these oral issues, if not more. However, it simply requires diligence on your part, and the benefits are a cleaner mouth and better breath. Today we would like to share some things we strongly encourage our patients in braces to do:

Clean those teeth: brush your pearly whites with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each session. If you can, brush after each meal so the food particles and plaque don’t remain on your teeth for a long period of time. As you brush, be gentle along the gumline but make sure to brush as thoroughly as possible.

Floss your teeth and along the gumline: daily flossing is crucial, at least once a day. You can use whichever product is best for you and your teeth, but it’s important that you are careful not to harm your gums as you clean your smile.

Regular professional dental cleanings: routine dental visits every six months are one of the most effective things you can do for your smile. These appointments thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if avoided. During these visits, your dental team will scrape the surfaces of your teeth and will eliminate every trace of plaque from your smile.

Take care of your teeth and gums while you are aligning your smile and your oral health will thank you! Our team at San Diego Orthodontic Specialists is delighted to assist you to have the best oral health possible. If you have any questions about gum disease in San Diego, California, or if you need to talk to your orthodontist, Dr. David Li, please call 858-487-8900 today!