Before we begin your treatment at Booth Orthodontics, we thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and check their health. Moving your teeth when they’re unhealthy could be unnecessarily uncomfortable and dangerous. 

But prioritizing your good health continues even after treatment begins! You must keep your teeth and gums in good condition during orthodontic care so your smile can be beautiful and healthy when treatment ends.

Navigating your oral health can be confusing and intimidating initially, but Booth Orthodontics can make it as easy as singing your ABCs! To get you started, look over our top tips below.

Use A “Fancy” Toothbrush. 

Over Brushing can strip the teeth of protective enamel and push down the gum line. Underbrushing can leave behind bacteria, plaque, and germs that can cause gum disease and eat away at the enamel. Weakened enamel can leave the teeth vulnerable to tooth decay, sensitivity, pain,  and other complications. 

We suggest upgrading your toothbrush to one some might consider “fancy.” You want an automatic toothbrush with a timer and a pressure sensor. The timer helps you brush your teeth for an appropriate duration. The pressure sensor keeps you from brushing with too much force. 

Brushing twice a day is a crucial step to maintaining your oral hygiene, and doing it properly is the best way to ensure you are helping your teeth and not harming them. 

Try A Water Flosser And An Interproximal Brush.

Flossing is an essential part of an oral hygiene routine. We recommend using a water flosser alongside wax floss in your oral hygiene regimen.

A water flosser is a machine that uses streams of water to clean teeth and gums. The water can help get rid of stubborn residue that could be left behind by brushing and flossing. If you have braces, the water flosser can clean all the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies! If you have clear braces or aligners, the water can help remove food or other staining particles and keep them nice and transparent.

Now, think of all the places you eat: school, home, restaurants, parties, movie theaters, festivals, cars, house parties, and more. That’s a lot of places for food to get in your teeth and bacteria to grow. A proximal brush is a small tool that can brush between the teeth. It can also clean behind the wire and between the brackets of braces. This tool can keep your mouth clean, your appliances pretty, and your breath fresh. Some patients might find an interproximal brush easier to use than traditional floss, so depending on your needs, you might be able to make a complete switch. 

Attend Your Dental Appointments.

Did you know that orthodontists attend dental school? It’s true! While they can judge the health of your teeth, you should still see your dentist for your yearly checkup once or twice a year! Dentists are a vital part of your oral healthcare. At your appointment, your provider and their team will photograph, X-ray, and clean your teeth. They might even provide a fluoride treatment. Then your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, infection, and more. If necessary, they will set up a treatment plan with you.

Consistently attending these appointments as frequently as advised by your dentist is necessary to prevent or find issues before they can cause severe pain or long-term damage to your smile.

Check The Ingredients Of Your Mouthwash And Toothpaste. 

There are so many different toothpaste and mouthwash options it can be overwhelming and challenging to find the one that is best for you. While your individual healthcare needs determine which one is best for you, there are three criteria that all orthodontic patients should try to meet when selecting their oral hygiene products.

1. No Harsh Chemicals — Harsher does not mean cleaner regarding toothpaste and mouthwash. Extreme acidity can rust metal appliances and stain clear aligners and braces. 
2. Look For Fluoride — Fluoride is a nature-made chemical that helps to strengthen your enamel and protect the teeth. When used appropriately, fluoride can prevent tooth decay. How often a fluoride treatment is needed is not the same for everybody. Be sure to ask your dentist before incorporating fluoride into your routine.
3. Non-whitening! — Spotless pearly whites are all the rage right now. While we agree they are beautiful, we strongly advise against using whitening products while undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially if you have a bonded appliance. If you have braces, the whitening agent can only touch some of your teeth. While it looks good now, when you inevitably end active treatment, your teeth will be a variety of colors! Returning your teeth all to one color can be time-consuming and frustrating. We suggest waiting until treatment is over to do any and all whitening treatments. If you have clear aligners or a removable treatment option, ask our orthodontists, Dr. Barry Booth or Dr. Ryan Booth, before using a whitening agent.

For Personalized Recommendations, Visit Us At Booth Orthodontics!

When you are a patient of Booth Orthodontics, your oral health is as much a priority as your alignment. The safest and most effective way to ensure oral health varies for individuals based on needs, goals, health risks, and lifestyles. 

Contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable team for personalized recommendations! If you are a new patient and want to discover if your mouth is healthy enough for treatment and learn which treatment options suit you, schedule your free consultation with us!

We can’t wait to meet you and watch your smile transform!