Brushing your teeth is simple, right? You’ve been doing it all your life! Not so fast, counsels our orthodontist at Ortho Inc.. Of course we’re glad you’ve developed a habit of cleaning those precious pearly whites. But are you maximizing the effectiveness of your brushing routine and making sure you aren’t doing more harm than good?
Our orthodontist, who is all about delivering healthy, beautiful smiles to people of all ages, wants to make sure those smiles last a lifetime. So we’re offering some easy-to-follow tips to up your game.
- The basics: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day, brushing for two minutes each time. Pick a toothbrush that can reach all corners of your mouth. Hold the brush gently and don’t apply too much pressure. Replace the toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) every three to four months. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride.
- The technique: Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush back and forth in short strokes, making certain to brush the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the toothbrush into a vertical position and use up-and-down strokes.
- Beyond the brush: Don’t forget to clean those spaces between your teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. Use dental floss twice a day and consider adding a proximal (proxy) brush to scrub away food particles. This provides an added defense against the buildup of bacteria-laden plaque.
- Special treatment: A robust oral hygiene regimen is even more critical during orthodontic treatment. Braces can provide more of a challenge to keep clean. And it’s important to cut down on your exposure to tooth decay by limiting sugary foods and drinks while steering clear of sticky, chewy foods.
Our orthodontist at Ortho Inc. has more options than ever for delivering the smile you’ve always desired, including braces that are virtually undetectable and clear aligners. Please contact us today for an appointment!
