Gum disease attacks many smiles each year, but it also affects smiles in the process of alignment as well. When you have braces, plaque and food particles tend to cling to the areas around the orthodontic brackets and wires. In addition, it is also difficult to properly and effectively clean the smile. So, because you have braces, you are more susceptible to gum disease, and we recommend caring for your smile and preventing this disease by doing the following things:
Brush your teeth
As you may already know, it is very important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. However, you might want to scrub your smile more often because of the orthodontic appliance that is currently aligning it. It is very important to brush as often as possible with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss your smile
You should floss your smile at least once a day, if not more. You can use whichever product is best for you and your teeth, but it’s important that you are careful not to harm your gums as you clean the crevices of your smile. If you need help flossing with braces, we have some tips that can help you.
Rinse your mouth
Do your best to rinse your mouth with fluoride or anti-bacterial mouthwash daily. This task will complete the cleaning job and will fight the growth of plaque on your teeth. It will also give you fresh breath.
Visit your dentist
Visiting your dentist every six months is the best thing you can do for your oral health. Your dental cleaning appointments will allow your dental team to scrape the surfaces of your teeth and completely remove the plaque that lives there. This is the only treatment that can completely remove the plaque from your smile, so make sure you keep up with your appointments.
Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visiting your dentist will help you prevent gum disease each and every day. If you need help learning how to properly do these things, please feel free to ask our team at [practice_name] because we will be happy to help you. We also encourage you to call [phone] today if you have any questions or if you need to talk to Dr. [doctor_name] about your concerns.