Cavities and gum disease problems pose a significant threat to the process of realigning your teeth with traditional braces. Not only can they cause discomfort oral health problems can also increase the amount of time it takes to fully correct the alignment of your teeth.
Brackets, wires, and other orthodontic components can sometimes be challenging to clean around, which can leave excess bacterial deposits in your mouth.
To help remove plaque and residual food particles from your teeth our orthodontist might recommend using one or two special oral hygiene tools when you brush and floss.
Interdental brushes are very small toothbrushes with tapered bristles. They can be especially helpful for carefully removing trapped food particles from orthodontic bands and spacers.
A high-quality water flossing device might also help loosen and wash away trapped food particles from braces components and the contours of your teeth. Yet Dr. Randy Wright notes that it cannot replace the physical effectiveness of dental floss for cleaning between teeth and along the gumline.
If you find that orthodontic wires and other components are making it hard to floss the gum line, you might try using a floss threader. When it is loaded with waxed dental floss it can help insert the strand of dental floss between two teeth without accidentally snapping it into your gums.
If you live in the Batavia, Illinois, area and you are struggling to maintain good oral hygiene with traditional braces you should call 630-208-1200 to schedule an appointment at Wright Orthodontics.
