What to Know About Orthodontics & Dental Hygiene

You already know maintaining good oral hygiene is important. However, it is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Why is this? While the orthodontic appliances (such as braces or clear aligners) you or your child might wear are effective at correcting misaligned teeth, they make it harder to keep teeth clean. This does not mean good oral hygiene is impossible. It simply takes the right information and diligence. 

Below, we have offered a list of things you need to know about orthodontics and dental hygiene. Read on, and do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions. 

Why Is Dental Hygiene Difficult to Maintain with Braces?

The components of braces, clear aligners, retainers, and others have lots of nooks and crannies where food residue can hide. If let be, plaque can form. This is a thin coating of microorganisms and organic debris containing bacteria that can produce acids that erode teeth and irritate gums. 

Because it is difficult to remove plaque with braces and other orthodontic appliances, you should:

Be Mindful of Your Diet 

Avoid foods that could increase your risk of tooth decay. This means cutting down or eliminating foods with excess sugar, such as soda, candy, and ice cream. It also means refraining from chewing gum or eating toffee, licorice, caramel, or similar foods that could easily stick in your braces. 

The list of things that could damage braces, retainers, and other appliances does not end there. You also want to avoid hard candies, nuts, beef jerky, and tough pizza crusts. While you should keep eating healthy foods like carrots and apples, you ought to cut them into bite-sized pieces, so they do not get stuck. 

Lastly, you should not chew on ice, pencils, or your nails. Of course, these are not food. But they can damage orthodontic appliances just like the foods we described above. 

Call Sugar Creek Orthodontics at (217) 769-8089. We serve those in Bloomington, Lincoln, Normal, and the areas nearby.