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Bracing for the Big Day
Good Hygiene Habits for a Healthy Smile After Braces
By Melissa Granberry
When wearing braces, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) makes the following suggestions to help you and your child keep your braces and teeth as clean as they can be:
- Be sure to brush at least four times a day (after every meal and before bed).
- If you are away from home and unable to brush, try rinsing your mouth after eating.
- Brush until your teeth and braces are spotlessly clean at least once a day. This includes flossing!
- Don't forget to schedule cleanings twice a year (or more, if needed) with your general dentist. "Patients often think seeing the orthodontist is enough, but that's not true," says Dr. Hughes. "It's very important to visit your regular dentist for professional cleanings while wearing braces. Before having your teeth cleaned, your orthodontist can remove your wires, which helps the dentist clean your teeth more effectively."
- Wash the plaque away with a fluoride rinse. "Rinsing allows the fluoride to penetrate all of the nooks and crannies created by braces and gets to the surface of the teeth," says Dr. Hughes. When asked if parents should be concerned about their children receiving too much fluoride, he says to not be worried. "I've never seen problems with patients using both a fluoride toothpaste and a rinse," says Dr. Hughes. "It's when they do not use both products that problems occur." Your orthodontist can prescribe a rinse for you, or you can purchase brands such as Cogate Phos-Fur over the counter.
- As always, eating healthy foods is a plus for great teeth. With braces, there are foods that should be avoided. Hard, sticky or chewy foods (popcorn, jellybeans, taffy, nuts, etc.) can cause damage to braces and lengthen the treatment time.