Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, especially during orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. At Merritt Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease, ensuring the success of your orthodontic journey.
Brushing and flossing play a vital role in removing bacteria and plaque from the mouth, which are known to cause cavities and gum disease. This is particularly important during orthodontic treatment, as braces and Invisalign aligners can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of oral health issues. By maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine, you can protect your teeth and gums throughout your treatment.
Our Recommendations
At Merritt Orthodontics, Dr. Ajanaku and our team recommend brushing and flossing at least two times a day, with three times a day being the gold standard for optimal oral hygiene. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy smile, so make sure to prioritize brushing and flossing as part of your daily routine.
While both electric and traditional toothbrushes aim to improve oral health by removing bacteria and plaque, studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque. The oscillating or rotating motion of electric toothbrushes can reach areas that traditional brushes may miss, making them a preferred option for patients with braces or Invisalign.
Education and Support
When you visit our San Antonio orthodontic office, we prioritize education on proper brushing and flossing techniques. At every appointment, our team will provide you with tips and tricks to achieve the most effective brushing and flossing technique, tailored to your specific needs. We believe that empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain good oral hygiene is essential for their long-term dental health.
Brushing and flossing are essential components of maintaining a healthy smile, especially during orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. By following our recommendations and prioritizing oral hygiene, you can prevent cavities and gum disease, ensuring the success of your orthodontic journey. Remember to brush and floss regularly, and don't hesitate to ask our team at Merritt Orthodontics for guidance and support. Together, we can achieve optimal oral health and create a beautiful, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Schedule an appointment at our San Antonio orthodontic office and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
Brushing with Braces
Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As an alternative, you can use a powered toothbrush to increase your brushing effectiveness. Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, which will also help keep your treatment time on track. To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, leaving a few inches of taut floss between them. Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back and forth motion. Floss the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles. Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all of your teeth. If you find that your floss is not removing all of the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, ask us about a water flosser!
