October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we’re here to remind you of its importance! Let’s celebrate all of your reasons to smile this month and all the different ways to care for your teeth while in orthodontic treatment.
In the mist of all of the exciting things you have planned this fall, remember to maintain oral hygiene so when your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete, you have a HEALHTY smile to show the world!
Improving your Oral Health During Orthodontic Health Month and Beyond
Proper brushing and flossing is always essential – whether you’re in orthodontic treatment or not! However, it’s important to spend extra time doing these tasks while wearing braces or Invisalign because areas in the mouth become harder to reach.
How to Properly Care for Your Braces
- Brush after every meal to ensure that no food get’s stuck behind your brackets or wires
- Utilize proxy brushes to brush in between brackets
- Avoid sugary foods/beverages that can hide behind brackets and wires.
- Floss with floss threaders
- Rinse with Fluoride
It’s important to keep in mind that poor oral hygiene while wearing braces can result in tooth decalcification. Decalcification is often referred to as a white spots left on teeth after braces are removed. It occurs when sugars and foods high in acidity sit on the tooth for too long and begin eating away at the enamel. This results in a discoloration once the bracket is removed. To learn more about how to avoid decalcification during orthodontic treatment, click here.
How to Properly Care for Invisalign
- Always remove your trays before eating or drinking anything other than water! Not brushing before putting your Invisalign trays back in can trap foods and sugars left in your teeth resulting cavities.
- Bacteria can build up on your trays while sleeping and will need to be cleaned. Be sure to establish a good morning and night routine to maintain good orthodontic health!
- Brush and Floss Regularly
- Rinse with Fluoride
Diet Affects Oral Health
Overall diet and food consumption contributes to many different areas of your life, but the role it plays in you oral health is often forgotten. Solid foods are needed to maintain a strong jaw and mouth. They can also help clean the plaque off your teeth while chewing. While wearing braces, be sure to cut solid foods and hard fruits/vegetables into bite size pieces to avoid breaking any brackets or wires.
Here are some healthy foods to incorporate into your diet during Orthodontic Health Month:
- Fresh Fruit
- Steamed Vegetables (Easier to consume with braces)
- String Cheese
- Yogurt
- Leafy Greens
- water water water!
Practicing consistent orthodontic health will keep your teeth looking their best! At Fry Orthodontics, we hope this Fall season brings you closer to your loved ones and closer to your ideal smile.