Oral Hygiene


Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial for a beautiful smile and also for your overall health.

While braces are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth, it also requires extra care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Braces can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. If your gums are swollen and inflamed, your teeth will not move as easily, and you will experience more discomfort during your treatment.

Inadequate removal of plaque can cause:
– White spot lesions/demineralisation.
– Gingivitis (gum infection).
– Cavities.
– Bad breath.
– Calculus (hardened plaque).

At PretoriaSmile we are proud to provide a dental cleaning service to our patients, and we recommend that our patients have a professional cleaning at least twice a year. Patients who struggle with oral hygiene will need more regular cleanings. Our orthodontic team will guide proper oral hygiene techniques specific to your orthodontic treatment. They can demonstrate the use of dental cleaning tools, recommend oral care products, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Brushing Techniques:
We recommend brushing 3 times a day while in orthodontic treatment. When brushing, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Use circular motions to clean every surface of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. (See our oral hygiene video). 

Using the Right Toothbrush:

Choosing the right toothbrush is very important to maintaining good oral hygiene with braces. Make sure to select a brush with soft bristles and a small brush head, and replace it every three months or earlier if the bristles are frayed or worn out. Electric toothbrushes are also an excellent investment, but it is ultimately up to you to use the correct brushing technique.

Modern braces come in various types. PretoriaSmile offers traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners (removable, transparent trays like Invisalign). Each type of brace has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of braces depends on the individual’s orthodontic needs and preferences.

Braces are typically worn for a certain period, which can vary depending on the severity of the dental issues being addressed. Regular adjustments and check-ups with an orthodontist are essential to ensure the braces are working effectively and to monitor progress throughout the treatment.


Toothpaste:
Choose toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.

Flossing your teeth:
Flossing takes more time and patience when you have braces; you will need special orthodontic floss, and it is important to floss your teeth every day. We recommend flossing at night, before brushing your teeth, to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed.
Be careful not to damage your braces or wires when removing the floss.

Mouthwash:
Mouthwash is not only a refreshing way to prevent bad breath, but it also helps to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. Using a fluoride mouthwash as a part of your oral care routine can provide added benefits to your dental health.

Antibacterial Mouthwash:
If you notice your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding, it means you have gum inflammation. It is caused by plaque and requires proper oral hygiene to reduce the inflammation. We also suggest using an antiseptic mouth rinse to help heal the gums, in addition to proper brushing and flossing. It can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for sores, cheek bites, etc. 

Diet:
Your diet plays a significant role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You should avoid sticky, sugary, acidic, and hard foods that can damage your braces and teeth, especially fizzy drinks.

You should aim for a balanced diet; remember to chop/slice food into small pieces, chew slowly to prevent damaging the braces, and brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles and plaque.

Don’t miss your appointments:
The state of your oral hygiene care will be assessed during your orthodontic appointments. The orthodontic team can check and recommend any necessary adjustments to your oral hygiene routine during your monthly appointments. By consistently attending your appointments, you will stay on track with your overall oral health and ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Visit the Dentist:
While you’re visiting the orthodontist regularly, you should still see your dentist every six months to check for cavities. 
By maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices throughout your orthodontic treatment, you can minimise the risk of dental problems, promote a healthy smile, and ensure the best possible outcome.

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