Why is it Important to Keep Your Braces Clean?
By Matthew Noyce | Published on February 11, 2011 | 0 Comments
While braces are meant to correct problems with your oral health caused by crowding and, of course, enhance the aesthetics of your smile, it is important to make sure that you are keeping your mouth clean and free of decay while the braces on your teeth are doing their part. Your straight teeth won’t be too exciting if they are ridden with decay or if gum disease becomes an issue. At Lake Country Orthodontics, Matthew Noyce DDS, who has been fitting Oconomowoc, Wisconsin residents with Invisalign and braces for years, always addresses the importance of a healthy mouth with his patients.
If you are the parent of a child who has just gotten braces, there is a certain amount of personal responsibility that your child must adopt when it comes to taking care of his teeth and braces. However, it never hurts to supervise your child every now and again to make sure that he is following his orthodontist’s recommendations.
At Lake Country Orthodontics, Dr. Noyce says that it is important to him that he and his staff review with each and every patient the best oral health routines. This includes instructing the patient on how to brush, floss, and just take care of his braces every day. Once you have braces, he explains, brushing is definitely different, and you have to treat it that way too. In fact, Dr. Noyce recommends that his patients spend more time brushing and focus on the angle at which they are holding their toothbrushes to ensure that the bristles are getting underneath the wires.
Brushing aggressively is never recommended, Dr. Noyce says, nor will it make your mouth any cleaner. Gentle pressure completed the right way is perfect. There are also special floss threaders that will get under the wires of your braces without causing any damage. It takes some practice to get used to, Dr. Noyce adds, but patients are eventually able to pick up the techniques that are needed.
Then, he says, at your subsequent appointments, your orthodontist will be able to evaluate how good of a job you have been doing by assessing the amount of plaque that has been forming around your teeth and the wires. If any problems are found, your orthodontist may find it necessary to review proper cleaning procedures again so that you are aware of what you have been doing wrong and can make changes to improve the health of your mouth.
Whenever a patient is fitted for braces, decay becomes a concern, since decay-causing plaque can build up around the braces if the teeth are not being properly cleaned. Additionally, Dr. Noyce adds, with braces, the decay process can be even quicker. This is why it is crucial that when you decide to move forward with orthodontic treatments, you are prepared for the personal responsibility necessary to keep your mouth healthy.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.