Orthodontics and Maintaining Good Oral Health
Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy With Braces
Starting your orthodontic journey is an exciting step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. At My Orthodontist in Cherry Hill, we want to make sure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. One of the most important factors in successful orthodontics is maintaining excellent oral health throughout the process. When you keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment, you’ll get better results and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters More Than Ever
When you’re wearing braces or using other orthodontic appliances, your teeth need extra attention. Brackets, wires, and bands create additional surfaces where food particles and plaque can hide. Without proper care, this can lead to white spots on your teeth, cavities, or gum inflammation. We’ve seen patients achieve incredible transformations, and maintaining good oral hygiene is a key part of that success.
The good news? With the right techniques and a little extra effort, keeping your teeth clean during orthodontics is absolutely manageable. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Brushing Techniques for Orthodontic Patients
Brushing becomes more important than ever when you have braces. We recommend brushing after every meal, or at minimum three times a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush at 45 degrees to clean around brackets and wires.
Take your time with each tooth. Brush the top of each bracket, then the bottom, and don’t forget to clean the chewing surfaces and behind your teeth. Many of our patients find that electric toothbrushes make the job easier and more effective. The entire process should take at least two minutes, and we know it might feel tedious at first, but it becomes second nature quickly.
For those using clear aligners, you have the advantage of removing them to brush normally. However, you should still brush after every meal before putting your aligners back in to prevent trapping food particles against your teeth.
Flossing: Your Secret Weapon
Flossing with braces requires patience, but it’s absolutely essential. We recommend using a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get under the wires. Thread the floss carefully between each tooth and gently clean along the gum line.
If traditional floss feels too challenging, water flossers can be excellent alternatives. These devices use a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and around brackets. Many of our Cherry Hill patients tell us their water flosser has been a game changer during their orthodontic treatment.
Foods to Embrace and Avoid
What you eat affects your oral health and the condition of your orthodontic appliances. We ask our patients to avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or get stuck in braces. This includes items like caramel, popcorn, hard candies, and chewing gum.
Instead, focus on orthodontics-friendly foods like soft fruits, cooked vegetables, yogurt, pasta, and tender meats. Cutting foods into smaller pieces can also help. We know it requires some adjustments, but protecting your braces means fewer emergency appointments and a shorter overall treatment time.
Regular Checkups Keep You on Track
Your regular dental cleanings become even more important during orthodontics. We work closely with general dentists to ensure you’re getting comprehensive care. Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that builds up even with excellent home care.
During your adjustment appointments with us, we also check for any signs of oral health issues. If we notice inflammation or areas that need better cleaning, we’ll provide personalized guidance to help you improve your technique.
Tools That Make a Difference
Investing in the right tools can make maintaining oral health much easier. Beyond your toothbrush and floss, consider adding these items to your routine: a proxy brush for cleaning around brackets, orthodontic wax for comfort, antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria, and a travel oral hygiene kit for when you’re away from home. We provide many of these supplies to our patients and can recommend specific products that work best with your orthodontic treatment.
Ready to Achieve Your Best Smile?
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums during your orthodontic treatment sets the foundation for beautiful, lasting results. At My Orthodontist in Cherry Hill, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your entire journey. If you have questions about caring for your teeth during orthodontics or you’re ready to start your smile transformation, contact our Cherry Hill office today to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll create the healthy, confident smile you deserve.