Brushing & Flossing Are Key To Protecting Your Oral Health
At Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics, our orthodontists and expert team work hard to achieve the best possible results through a personalized treatment plan that is designed just for you. Developing a straight and healthy smile is a team effort between you and your orthodontist. Your part includes maintaining good oral health care during your orthodontic treatment with regular brushing and flossing routines.
Brush, Brush, Brush
Brushing is always essential for maintaining oral health, but it is even more important when undergoing orthodontic treatment because you are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis and tooth decay. Whether you opt for Invisalign or metal braces, you will need to brush your teeth more often to ensure that food does not get caught in your wires or brackets, or sit on your teeth for long periods of time. Our orthodontists recommend you brush your teeth four times a day: once after each meal and once before bed. You may also want to consider using an electric toothbrush which can be more effective in removing plaque. Pay special attention when brushing beneath your brackets and wires, because this is where food commonly gets trapped. Using an interdental brush will help you better clean these areas. You should also consider using an antibacterial mouthwash that will help rinse away any food particles and provide a protective barrier against germs.
Flossing is Critical to Oral Health
Along with brushing, flossing is also a crucial part of your orthodontic treatment to maintain your oral health. While flossing can be a challenge during orthodontic treatment, it has several benefits. By removing food that builds up beneath brackets, under archwires, and between your teeth, you will be reducing your risks of developing gingivitis and tooth decay. Both of these conditions can become severe and result in tooth loss if proper oral health is not maintained. We recommend that our patients floss at least twice per day. In addition to floss, and a floss threader to help get around your braces, you may also want to consider adding an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser to your cleaning routine.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Even if you are brushing and flossing like a pro, it is still important to get professional dental cleanings every six months to ensure that plaque does not build up beneath your wires or brackets.
Contact Our Office Today
Let our team help you maintain your oral health while you are working toward that perfect smile. You can call us at (508) 485-8788 for our Marlborough, MA, office, (508) 393-5400 for our Northborough, MA, office, or (617) 332-2434 for our Newton Centre, MA office. You can also schedule an online appointment.