Tony Weir Orthodontics

ORAL HYGIENE AT HOME

Good oral hygiene between visits of the dentist is the secret to maintaining a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Preventing tooth decay and gum diseases is the foundation to a lifetime of optimal dental health. However, during orthodontic treatment, the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay increases, as it can be difficult to brush and floss properly.

You must keep to a rigorous cleaning regime to prevent bacterial plaque build-up that leads to tooth decay, inflammation of the gums and in some cases loss of jawbone. Here are some oral hygiene tips for you:

Preventing Decay 
When you have braces attached to your teeth, you will realise that cleaning or brushing your teeth is harder to do. Food particles can get caught between the braces and wires as well as your teeth, which can only be removed through careful brushing and flossing. Failure to clean your teeth thoroughly while having orthodontic braces can result in permanent stains on the surface of your teeth.

Diet 
Eating too much sugary food and drinking sugary soft drinks can contribute to plaque build up. If you have braces, you will need to brush, floss and rinse after eating sugary food as it can get caught in your braces. This can significantly increase your chances of tooth decay.

Brushing / Flossing / Rinsing 
Although it is recommended that you should brush your teeth twice a day, we advise our patients going through orthodontic treatment to brush their teeth three times a day immediately after each meal, including lunch. We also recommend that you visit your dentist at least every six months for a routine check up, deep clean and fluoride application if necessary.

We recommend that you should use a small head and soft bristled tooth brush to clean around the braces. Moving the toothbrush backwards and forwards in small motions above and below the braces can help achieve proper cleaning. Flossing is also very important in oral hygiene as this can help remove food particles in hard to reach areas. A good antiseptic rinse is the final part

If you need more information regarding proper oral hygiene, please feel free to contact us. Dr. Tony Weir and his friendly staff are standing by to provide you with information about oral hygiene while undergoing our orthodontic treatment.

Here at Tony Weir Orthodontics, we don’t just give our patients the perfect smile, we help them maintain it for life.

Please feel free to contact us for a consultation. Dr. Tony Weir and his friendly staff are standing by. Here at Tony Weir Orthodontics, we don’t just give our patients the perfect smile, we help them maintain it for life.

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